Women
Studies
Presented By
[Link] Beebi
Assistant Professor
Definition of Women’s Studies
In a nutshell, Women’s Studies may be defined as a
body of knowledge that has grown out a felt concern
for gender equality. Rooted in feminism, Women’s
Studies seeks to explain the socio historical, cultural,
economic and political reasons for women’s
subordination. Additionally, it suggests measures by
which these forms of discrimination may be countered
(Krishnaraj 1987:7- 10) 5 .
Definition of Women’s Studies
As it provides an alternative viewpoint to the existing
knowledge construction, Women’s Studies enriches
the various branches of social sciences and provides a
more holistic understanding of human experience in
society. Women’s Studies is a critical instrument to
examine those social processes that have so far
favoured men and made invisible women’s
contributions.
Definition of Women’s Studies
The driving force behind Women’s Studies is
feminism. The various schools of feminist philosophies
represent a continuation of the humanist
philosophical traditions since the age of
enlightenment which placed the human being at the
centre of its inquiry and was committed to the ideals
of liberty and equality.
Definition of Women’s Studies
The difference feminism introduces into this discourse
is: it shows that human experience is gendered; an
individual’s life experiences, choices and entitlements
in the family and society are determined by the
biological accident of sex. Grappling with critical
questions about the exclusion of women in all
expressions of human knowledge, feminism has
evolved new concepts and analytic frameworks that
better encompass and explain social reality.
Definition of Women’s Studies
Women’s Studies aims at promoting gender equality by
sensitizing men and women about women’s rights and
entitlements. The focus of this endeavour in India, is the
lives of poor and dispossessed women. It goes beyond
intellectual explorations of women’s lives to translate
itself into action. Women’s Studies, therefore, is not just
another academic discipline; rather it is an attempt to
bridge the gap between the professed ideals and the
existing social reality, by initiating social change.
Introduction
It becomes essential here to mention the meaning of
Feminism. The term 'feminism' has its origin from the
Latin word lemina' meaning 'woman' (through French
leminisme'). It refers to the advocacy of women's rights,
status and power at par with men on the grounds of
'equality of sexes'. In other words, it relates to the belief
that women should have the same social, economic and
political rights as men.
Introduction
The word ‘Feminism’ refers to an intense
awareness of identity as a woman and
interest in feminine problems. Recent
forms of feminism that came into
existence after the 1960s have become
an evolving socio-political movement.
Introduction
Feminism is a theoretical project, which aims at
understanding the power structures in the society,
causes of male domination, social practices and social
institutions, which are instrumental in assigning a
marginalized position to women. Feminist theory also
devises the strategies to transform social structures
and bring about a more equitable society.
Introduction
Liberal Feminists argue that society holds the false
belief that women are, by nature, less capable than
men; thus it tends to discriminate against women.
They assert that the equality of men and women can
be achieved through political and legal reforms.
Introduction
Liberal Feminists believe that all women are capable
of asserting their ability to achieve equality; therefore
it anticipates transformation without altering the
structure of society. Some of the liberal feminists are
Betty Friedan, Mary Wollstonecraft and Michael
Kimmel.
Introduction
Liberal Feminists believe that all women are capable
of asserting their ability to achieve equality; therefore
it anticipates transformation without altering the
structure of society. Some of the liberal feminists are
Betty Friedan, Mary Wollstonecraft and Michael
Kimmel.
Introduction
Marxist/Socialist Feminists focus on the social
institutions of private property and capitalism to
explain and criticize gender inequality and
oppression. According to Marxist feminists, private
property gives rise to economic inequality,
dependence, political and domestic struggle between
the sexes, and is the 3 root of women's oppression in
the current social context.
Introduction
They believe that women are an exploited class in the
capitalist mode of production, both by their husbands
within families and by employers in the paid labour
market. They see women as exploited because of their
unequal relations both in the domestic sphere and
workplace. Some of the notable Socialist Feminists
include Donna Haraway, Evelyn Reed and Faith
Wilding.
Introduction
Radical Feminists believe that the main rival of women
is patriarchy, which guarantees male supremacy and
the subordination of women at work and in the home.
In their view men inflict physical and sexual violence
over women and commandeer the majority of
material rewards They believe men are able to justify
their actions by persuading people that it is natural
that men should be the dominant sex.
Introduction
Radical feminists feel that the male–based authority
and power structure are responsible for oppression
and inequality. They believe that women can free
themselves only when they outwit the inherently
oppressive and dominating system. For Radical
Feminists sexual inequality is institutionalized. Some
of the notable among Radical Feminists are, Catherine
Mackinnon, Kate Millet, Juliet Mitchel and Mary Daly.
Thank
You
