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Gender Feminism and Ifeminism: Wherein They Differ
McElroy, Wendy
2003
Abstract
Individualist feminism argues that the slogan "a woman's body, a woman's right" should extend to
every peaceful choice a woman can make. For example, it demands that all sexual choices, from
motherhood to participating in pornography, be legally respected. The cost of such freedom is
personal responsibility and a refusal to appeal to government for privilege or protection. As a school
within the broader feminist tradition, individual feminism contrasts sharply with gender feminism
both in its theory and its history. Indeed, the two schools define the ideological extremes of the
feminist movement. Their differing interpretations of such concepts as "equality," "class," and
"justice" stand in opposition to each other and could restimulate what many consider to be a dying
movement by breaking through the shell of dogma that surrounds it. And, yet, because gender
feminism has dominated the movement for decades, the disagreements expressed by individualist
feminism have been labeled as "anti-feminist" and even "anti-woman." It is time to reclaim this
neglected and rich tradition, including the many heroic figures who struggled and suffered so that
contemporary women can enjoy their many freedoms.
Series
Etica & Politica / Ethics & Politics
V (2003) 2
Subjects
Publisher
EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste
Source
Wendy McElroy, "Gender Feminism and Ifeminism: Wherein They Differ", in: Etica & Politica / Ethics & Politics, V (2003) 2, pp. 1-12.
Languages
en
File(s)