18.2.3

Post-Modern Feminism

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Post-Modern Feminism

Post-modern feminists argue that patriarchy manifests in different ways depending on a woman’s race, class etc.

Gender identity

Gender identity

  • They question the idea that there is or ever can be a single-gender identity.
  • What it now means to be a woman can have many differing interpretations, as they each have individual circumstances.
  • Biological differences are not as clear cut as were once thought e.g. some women cannot give birth.
Intersectionality

Intersectionality

  • "Woman" as a category is complicated by factors like class, ethnicity, and sexuality, which bell hooks is keen to explore, outside of conventional thinking.
  • The term "intersectionality" was developed to recognise this.
Identity in post-modern thinking

Identity in post-modern thinking

  • These feminists argue that it cannot be assumed anything is universal e.g. gender oppression and patriarchy, as the world is more complex.
  • It becomes impossible and oversimplified to make any generalisations about women, or their status.
  • They stress the importance of language and removing terms, which may appear sexist or reinforcing patriarchal attitudes e.g. Chair instead of Chairman.
  • It is for each individual woman to define herself and seek her own identity, in order to feel truly liberated.
Countering universalism

Countering universalism

  • Post-modern thinking is an attempt to counteract the idea that any political ideas can still be seen as universal today, whether it be gender, class, race or religion.
  • Our political thinking must reappraise accepted beliefs, with feminism seeking new ways to achieve liberation.
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