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Feminism

(43 Posts)
Anniebach Wed 28-Aug-19 08:40:28

Why do some feminists criticise some woman as paddyann
has done ?

Doodledog Wed 28-Aug-19 00:59:37

I know what they mean, I just don’t find theories like that useful in practice.

paddyann Wed 28-Aug-19 00:27:32

I think feminism means choice ,nothing more or less.the choice to have the life you want unrestricted by gender bias,to reach and go through any glass ceiling that is within your aim.If its your choice to never work thats fine but you must be aware of the consequences if you're widowed and have no personal income .With choice comes responsibility .

My young friend has not one but two university degrees ,she gave up her job to have children and hasn't worked since they were born 10 years ago.That to me is a waste ,whether her husband can support them isn't in question but the fact she chooses to stay at home isn't a great role model for her daughters ..in my opinion.Why will they bother getting a good education when their mother has thrown hers away ?They can just do what she has done,find a man with a good income and be a lady who lunches .

GagaJo Wed 28-Aug-19 00:01:32

Intersectional feminism is just feminism that supports any feminist. Of any colour, nationality. sexuality, gender identity. Traditional feminism was primarily for white, middle class women.

Adsthame, men are just as capable as women at bringing up children. I was not a natural mother. My male partner is very motherly. We are not anomalies.

To say women are 'better' at running a home is ludicrous. An anti argument that posits women as superior in the domestic sphere is a velvet coated trap to keep them there. Choose it if you want, but it isn't a gendered skill.

Doodledog Tue 27-Aug-19 23:20:13

What is a 'rabid feminist'?

I think I am feminist. I firmly believe that everyone (male/female, young/old, black/white, rich/poor gay/straight etc) is equal, and should be given the same chances in life.

I also think that there is no right way of living, so for some people this will mean that women do X, whereas to others it means that they do Y. If it works for the people concerned, it's not for me to comment unless it impacts on others in some way.

I certainly don't hate men. I married a lovely one, and am mother to another who is equally fab. I am very anti patriarchy, however, and think it is bad for both men and women.

I get confused by all the theory, though. Intersectionism, trans-exclusion, radical feminism etc - all of that makes my head hurt. I prefer to take everyone as I find them, treat people the same, and speak up when I see that this isn't happening.

absthame Tue 27-Aug-19 23:11:02

Finally I would argue that all of the income in a partnership or marriage is of joint ownership. However I do believe each partner should have some monies available for their own disposal, effectively giving them a sense of independence.

absthame Tue 27-Aug-19 23:02:18

Sorry tremors led to me pressing post, so I continue.

Women are not as competitive as men in the same way. These have been used by the prime measures worthiness, by men and rabid feminists adopt the self same measures of worthiness, in the process denying women there proper status of equality.

absthame Tue 27-Aug-19 22:55:51

Rampant feminism serves women badly because it is based upon a male perception of individual worth.

In some relationships it is appropriate for the female to be the principle bread winner and the male to be the principle carer.

However Gagajo to argue that males are generally as suited as women to be carers and in particular to be as well provided to bring up children is not right. Generally women's brains are far better at multitasking than are mens, to manage a household and children is beyond the capability of most men. To argue otherwise is to devalue women.

Equally women do not have the same physical size and same strength characteristics as men and like it or not they are generally not competitive as men in the same

GagaJo Tue 27-Aug-19 22:42:14

I appreciate that being a housewife is a choice, but if you don't work and your marriage ends, life will be very hard financially. There is no spousal maintenance anymore.

I have friends who lived through this very circumstance. Ex husbands continued to have a comfortable lifestyle, while they struggled to find work after years out of the work force. Not for nothing is it called the feminisation of poverty.

GagaJo Tue 27-Aug-19 22:38:27

Feminism is about women having the choice to do what they want.

But it ISN'T humanism or egalitarianism. It's about gender equality. It benefits men as well as women but started as a movement for women's liberation in a time when women couldn't vote, own property, retain custody of their children after divorce.

trisher Tue 27-Aug-19 18:53:29

If women want to stay at home and care for children and they can afford to do so they should be free to make that choice. Feminism is about supporting other women and challenging the old rules and patriarchy. It is a male concept that only work outside the home is of value, only when child rearing is recognised as a real and valued contribution to society will we have a hope of equality.
We may think that we have achieved much but in actual fact in some areas life is becoming more difficult for women. There is an organisation called "Pregnant then screwed" which is fighting for women who lose their jobs because they get pregnant.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 27-Aug-19 18:44:28

dragonfly I agree with your post!

dragonfly46 Tue 27-Aug-19 18:28:14

I have always considered myself more equal than my DH. I have had the choice as to whether to work or not. I was able to stay at home with my children. I manage our finances so what we spend is down to me. No my DH is not weak it is how it is. I think feminism is overrated - it is humanism.

Grandad1943 Tue 27-Aug-19 18:24:07

GagaJo, I could not agree more with your opening post. My wife and I have throughout out fifty years of marriage always functioned in the way you describe.

Smileless2012 Tue 27-Aug-19 18:21:05

I agree too if that's what women want then that's what women should have. It's not for everyone though as Woodmouse's post illustrates.

WOODMOUSE49 Tue 27-Aug-19 18:18:21

It should say "know such a woman" ..

Wish there was an edit tab with these posts. angry

WOODMOUSE49 Tue 27-Aug-19 18:16:54

Agree. Totally agree. That's what I want with my partner and I do have that except we didn't have children together. I married him too late for that.

However, there are a few women who don't want a career.
Or who have never worked since having children or even when the children have left.
Or have a husband who does all the cooking and helped bring up the children.

I know such a women to whom all the above applies to. My brother has been married to her for nearly 40 years. Both are very very happy.

GagaJo Tue 27-Aug-19 17:59:07

I'm rampant. NOT a man hater. But a dyed in the wool, political feminist.

Think women should be financially independent, even if they do share their finances in a relationship.

Our careers are equally important to our other halves occupations.

Bring up the kids should be equally shared as should looking after the home.

Waddaya think?