Name: Lizalise Ngantweni
Student Number: s226143074
Module Code: SFV 221
Lecturer Name: Ms. Lemogang Modisekang
Date 26 May 2023
I understand that plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas as my own. These
ideas or words can come from a classmate, an ex-student, an encyclopedia, book, journal,
magazine, newspaper, the internet, or even a pamphlet. When I have consulted such sources,
they have been carefully and fully acknowledged, both in my assignment, and on my
reference page. I have not plagiarized this assignment. I understand that if I am found to have
committed plagiarism, I will have to face disciplinary action.
Full Name: Lizalise Ngantweni
Student Number: 226143074
Feminism by History.com editors
feminism represents a social, political, and ideological movement calling for equal
opportunities across different genders particularly relating to women. Despite this initiative
primarily targeting gender disparity, the focus extends beyond eliminating marginalization by
affirming diverse self-expression among people of all genders. Its philosophy emphasizes
promoting a fairer society where everyone has access to the same resources regardless of
their gender identity. Feminism challenges patriarchal systems that constrict women's choices
by limiting their options towards socio-economic opportunities. Feminism evolved from
systematic injustices against women stemming from historical contexts. The first wave
feminism movements emerged during the late19th and early 20th centuries. This particular
moment focused on gaining rights, recognition for political participation among other health
care issues like education, economic empowerment.
Different feminist movements exist according to particular beliefs and approaches aimed at
combating gender bias while working towards maintaining an ambiance of equal
opportunities between different sexes. Regardless of its methodology, the intersectionality
approach reinforces this ideology by acknowledging that gender poses diversified challenges
when it intersects with factors such as race, sexuality, and economic status. Feminism arose
out of women's growing awareness regarding their social and economic status while
challenging patriarchal structures and norms which perpetuated sexism. Being a
transformative and radical ideology, Feminism dared question to oppose societal views &
practices that oppressed women making their voice unheard alongside silencing their
preferences & identities.
Feminism over time diversified into second-wave feminism which focused greatly mainly on
reproductive rights, & gender-based violence whilst third-wave feminism ensured
intersectionality which recognizes racism, classism, heterosexuality together with sexism
shaping oppression/discrimination against various groups. What unites the diverse viewpoints
found within Feminism remain core beliefs around attaining social justice, gender equity
while liberating women marginalized genders within a just and equitable society. When
something supports the Feminist movement objectives like challenging stereotypes,
promoting Gender equality, and ending gender-based violence, it is considered feminist. The
originators can come from varied sources be it individuals, collectives such as
organizations/social movements. What distinguishes an action idea as feminist is its focus
towards tackling gender inequality, oppression, promoting equity for all persons disregarding
classification by race and ethnicity.
This article adopts and needs an Epistemological approach a way of acquiring knowledge by
carefully examining the world around us. The process involves challenging conventional
ways of thinking alongside exploring how those with power shape information structures
based on their subjective viewpoints. Epistemology falls under philosophy's branches
analysing information's nature concerning its acquisition methodology, justification process
uses limitations as well as influences derived from internal and external factors like social
positioning. It delves extensively into questions surrounding reality's true nature, veracity
levels consisting of different topics including potential contradictions inherent between
disparate points in defining connections between events.
Feminist epistemology critically examines prevailing models based on male-dominated
perspectives demonstrating how they marginalize women or other marginalized groups'
experiences while limiting their interpretive view prism leading to inaccurate/incomplete
conclusions arrived at through traditional analysis approaches. Feminist scholars argue
mainstream approaches uphold a status quo cemented through strict adherence guidelines set
by dominant groupings glorified in numerous studies for determining the legitimacy of the
knowledge being promoted. Scholars leveraging feminist epistemology challenge traditional
models, exposing established power structures' operations while questioning what constitutes
valid knowledge. As a result, feminism is not a monolithic movement, but one that is marked
by an assortment of notions, philosophies, and techniques. What connects feminism is the
fundamental concept of equality between the sexes, justice for all, and the emancipation of
women along with other disadvantaged sexes are necessary aims for achieving a fair and
equitable society.
It is deeply rooted in feminism's philosophical framework questioning patriarchal influences
supporting gender, racial, class and other identity norms that prevent marginalized voices
from advancing within knowledge-sharing spheres. Feminist epistemology prioritizes
underserved and overlooked populations resulting in fundamental changes to our long-
standing perceptions, allowing new perspectives to coexist with established levels of
understanding by embracing feminist epistemology, we can work towards a more just and
inclusive society which respects the knowledge and experiences of all individuals.
The most beneficial technique of IDC to assess this article and employ emotional critique
originates from his conviction that the oppression of women is a result of the system of
capitalism rather than a different sort of oppression. In other words, he argued that women's
exploitation and marginalization were unable to be solved without assistance from the
dominant economic institutions in society. According to Marx, capitalism devalues all things,
including individuals, and lowers all interactions between people to simple value for trade.
Marx thought that the emergence of capitalism caused an important shift in the manner in
which societies were structured, allowing a new class of entrepreneurs to arise and plunder
the labour of those who worked. Women, together with additional oppressed groups, they
were considered members of the labour force and hence vulnerable to the identical types of
oppression as males. Women's subjugation within the capitalist system, on the other hand,
was distinct due to the specific manner that their labour was abused. Marx believed that
capitalism produced a scenario whereby unpaid household labour by women was essential for
the preservation of the capitalist regime. This means that while men were exploited while
working, women were exploited twice as frequently since they were made to undertake
unpaid labour in their homes, including preparing meals, sweeping, and taking care of
children. Because of that, the capitalist system was able to project the expenses associated
with social reproduction upon women, strengthening their inferior status within the society.
Marx's critique of feminism, feminist groups ought to concentrate on overturning the
capitalist system with the goal to attain real female liberty. He contended that the battle for
the rights of women should not be restricted to issues like voting or legal equality but must
also target the larger economic institutions that reinforce their enslavement. Marx felt that
only a socialist revolution, which fundamentally altered the methods of manufacturing and
distributing could eradicate the circumstances that perpetuated women's subjugation. Marx's
critique of feminism did not represent an opposition of the objective of the liberation of
women, but rather of the limits of liberal feminism, which he considered as incapable of
addressing the underlying reason of women's subjugation. Marx's viewpoint impacted later
feminist movements. Many people recognize economic equity as a vital part of equality
between men and women.
Examining how literature and artistic creations portray the hardships of women suffering
under oppression, imperial rule, or economic reliance is a single method to look at feminism
utilizing emotional critique and IDC. This could entail studying the writings of female writers
and artists who are historically underrepresented within the history of Western literature, or
investigating how sexist assumptions about gender are reinforced or challenged in popular
media depictions of women.
Feminism is a political, social, and cultural phenomenon that advocates for gender equality
and addresses problems related to female oppression and prejudice. Feminism is
fundamentally about campaigning for equality for women, opposing patriarchal structures
that limit women's possibilities and decisions, and supporting a more just and equal society
for every gender. Feminism influences men's thinking through questioning cultural norms and
behaviours. Men in patriarchal societies are frequently indoctrinated to regard women as less
worthy and subservient, and to associate masculinity with power and dominance. Feminism
pushes males to recognize their position of privilege and think on the way they use it.
The article's specified marches and protests of women throughout the world increase
understanding of the issue of equality between men and women in society. It supports the
acknowledgment of the rights of women as fundamental liberties by challenging deeply
rooted societal institutions and cultural practices that have historically sustained gender-based
discrimination. Feminism seeks to build a more just and equitable society for all individuals,
irrespective of gender, through campaigning, education, and activism. People are supposed to
improve their opinions after learning about feminism and its past by confronting their
preconceived notions and biases regarding sex roles and prejudice based on gender. They
may become more conscious of how gender inequity impacts society as a whole, not just
women. People might additionally become more interested in promoting masculinity as it
will serve as a catalyst and abolish inequality
The article's discussion of the Woman's Rebellion in the nineteenth century can have a
considerable influence on readers who are unfamiliar with its history by offering an in-depth
examination of the feminist movement, its roots, and its relevance. It can provide as a trigger
for readers to learn more regarding the problems that women have experienced throughout
the past, as well as the current fight for equality between men and women and the rights of
women. Reading about feminism may also improve society's thinking and understanding
concerning feminism by introducing people to the essential concepts and values that drive the
feminist movement that took place a long time ago. It has the potential to challenge
stereotypes regarding gender, biases, and prejudices, as well as urge readers to evaluate their
own views and perspectives. This feminism article can motivate readers to turn into activists
for equality between men and women and to take action in Favor of feminist causes by
increasing understanding about the widespread and systematic nature of gender-based
discrimination.
The author changes the reader's mentality by presenting important achievements of women in
the past in order to demonstrate that it is significant and has a deep impact on contemporary
society and the way people think now. Feminism has played a significant role of creating
modern concepts of gender, sexuality, and identity, as well as opening the path for
considerable improvements in women's rights and equality. The feminist movement has
offered new ways of approaching gender and power by challenging patriarchal institutions
and conventions that have reinforced prejudice against women. As a result, numerous
feminism's victories, like as equal salary, reproductive liberty, and legal safeguards against
violence based on gender, are starting to be recognized as essential human rights.
Nonetheless, despite progress, numerous hurdles and obstacles remain. Continued efforts are
required to establish full sex equality and put a stop to all types of gender-based violence and
discrimination.
Given that a lot have advocated feminism in the past, including great philosophers like
Seneca and Plato, this feminism article might have a revolutionary effect on readers by
increasing their awareness of the feminist movement, exposing prejudices and biases, and
motivating them to take action in Favor of gender equality and women's rights. The history of
feminism continues to affect modern culture and views on gender and power, highlighting the
feminist movement's continuous relevance in attaining a fairer and more equal world.
He felt that women, like men, should acquire equivalent training and education in political
science and philosophy so as to become suitable leaders. His beliefs on gender equality were
rather revolutionary for his day, challenging the dominant patriarchal norms. This
demonstrates to the reader how even a great philosopher endorsed this notion in a time when
saying such things was risky. This reminds the reader that in any situation, time, or
circumstance, as a person, you should do what is right, and this inspires the reader to take a
stand and promote feminism. Plato tried to undermine the notion that women are not
comparable to men in terms of inherent skills and abilities by pushing this notion he sought to
challenge gender roles that confined woman to the domestic sphere and excluded them from
public life.
Plato believed that women and men were equal in their capacity of knowledge and rational
reasoning. He believed that gender should not be used to decide who has authority, whereas
merit and aptitude should be the deciding factors.
Plato's philosophical impact has been enormous throughout history, and his thoughts on
equality between men and women have influenced many later generations of philosophers
and campaigners. His campaign for women's equal involvement in both politics and society
has influenced current views of gender equality and served as a catalyst for change in society.
Plato's theories, through questioning established gender norms and advocating the concept of
women as viable leaders, have contributed to shift readers' minds as well as had an essential
part in.
In Conclusion, the ideologies that have been considered include Liberal Feminism, which
emphasizes on individual rights and liberties and wants to remove prejudice against women
in all aspects of life. Liberal feminists believe that women ought to receive equal access to
education, employment, and political representation, and that gender ought not to serve as a
barrier to success in any field. They believe that gender inequality is primarily caused by
discriminatory laws and cultural norms, which they look for to change through legislative
changes and social uprisings. Radical Feminism, which sees gender as an essential division of
authority in society and wants to confront and abolish patriarchal systems, follows. Women's
oppression, according to radical feminists, is so firmly established in society that it is unable
to be rectified through gradual reforms, but rather demands a full restructuring of all
economic, social, and political institutions. One of the primary principles of radical feminism
is that discrimination based on gender has its roots in sexist systems that must be dismantled.
Radical feminists challenged sex roles and the system of getting married, and advocated for
the freedom of women through separateness, consciousness-raising, and a united front. This
has resulted in a focus on topics that include assault on women, rights related to reproduction,
and women's representation in government and other areas of power, among other things.
Intersectional Feminism acknowledges that gender overlaps with other types of oppression,
such as racism, class, and sexuality, and aims to challenge these connected power structures.
Intersectional feminists believe that focusing just on gender lacks to take into account the
numerous ways in which many types of oppression cross and reinforce one another. All of
this has resulted in the advancement of equal chances and the eradication of barriers that
prevent women from reaching their fullest potential. Women have been given chances in the
business, schooling, and government that were previously unavailable to them. In short, these
foundational beliefs underlining radical feminism is aimed at destroying feminine stereotypes
by challenging traditional gender roles while calling into question concepts surrounding
marriage, thereby creating space for self-determination among females using separatist
principles.
These principles form their movement characterized by consciousness-raising activities
entrenching separatist notions as it increasingly pushes forward personal freedoms via
collective action. Interestingly, this development continues advocating rights regarding sexual
assault, reproduction and equitable representations particularly holding positions of power at
various levels. This intersectional feminism accounts for different forms of oppression facing
marginalized groups. Historically speaking, intersectional feminists have persisted in
dismantling such structures of power seeing gender not in isolation but shaped by
overlapping racism, classism or sexuality barriers leading to women's empowerment and
progress across business schooling and government domains previously unimaginable. The
struggle against the oppression faced by women is one emphasized by radical feminists who
assert its entrenched nature within our society.
Bibliography
Tuana, N. ed., 2010. Feminist interpretations of Plato. Penn State Press.
Annas, J., 1976. Plato's Republic and feminism. Philosophy, 51(197), pp.307-321.
Pomeroy, S.B., 1974. Feminism in Book V of Plato's Republic. Apeiron, 8(1), pp.33-35.
Annas, J., 2017. Plato's Republic and Feminism. In Plato and Modern Law (pp. 321-335). Routledge.
Delmar, R., 2018. What is feminism?. In Theorizing feminism (pp. 5-28). Routledge.
Bennett, J.M., 1989. Feminism and history. Gender & History, 1(3), pp.251-272.
Delmar, R., 2018. What is feminism?. In Theorizing feminism (pp. 5-28). Routledge.
Marcuse, H., 1974. Marxism and feminism. Women's Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2(3), pp.279-
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