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What Is Feminism

In: English and Literature

Submitted By hazylein
Words 596
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At first I would like to give a brief simplified definition of Feminism because I know that the majority here still find it obscure. Feminism can be roughly defined as a movement that enhances the quality of women’s lives by defying the norms of society based on male dominance and the emancipation of women from the shackles, restrictions, norms and customs of society. It demands that women should be treated as autonomous subjects, and not as passive objects. (Autonomy: an action which is determined by the subject's own free choice) It seeks to achieve equality between men and women in moral, social, economic and political fields. The objective of that movement is the creation of a new identity for women and making them aware of their rights.

At its core, it is the belief in equality. It seeks to eliminate the social, cultural, and legal barriers between men and women. Its goal is to create a truly egalitarian society.

Origins: People and activists who discussed or advanced women's equality prior to the existence of the feminist movement are sometimes labeled proto-feminist.[8] Some scholars, however, criticize this term's usage.[6][19][why?] Some argue that it diminishes the importance of earlier contributions,[20] while others argue that feminism does not have a single, linear history as implied by terms such as proto-feminist or postfeminist
Around 24 centuries ago, Plato, according to Elaine Hoffman Baruch, "[argued] for the total political and sexual equality of women, advocating that they be members of his highest class, those who rule and fight".
Simone de Beauvoir wrote that "the first time we see a woman take up her pen in defense of her sex" was Christine de Pizan who wrote Epitre au Dieu d'Amour (Epistle to the God of Love) in the 15th century. Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Modesta di Pozzo di Forzi worked in the 16th century. Marie Le Jars de

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