difference feminism / cultural feminism and separatism Flashcards
a subset of difference feminism
cultural feminism focuses on
celebrating and promoting women’s unique nature and cultural contrubutions to society
cultural feminists argue that women’s ways of knowing , relating and creating are fundamentally different
from mens and that these differences should be valued and celebrated
they advocate for the creation and support of women centric spaces and institutions such as
womens art
literature
community organisations
this approach seeks to elevate traditionally feminine values and practices
positioning them as equally important and worthy of recognition alongside traditionally masculine values
some difference feminists even advocated for separatism which suggests that
patriarchy is so pervasive and entrenched that true liberation for women can only be achieved by separating from male dominated structures and environments
separatism can involve the establishment of
women only organisations
residential communties
social networks
separatist feminists believe that these spaces provide a supportive environment free from the patriarchal domination and control of men allowing
women to develop their identities skills and solidarity
Mary Daly a radical feminist was a well known advocate for difference feminism she believed that
women possess an essential biological nature that is distinct from men . this nature was more nurturing and holistic than the aggressive and hierarchal traits of men
Daly argued that patriarchal society undervalued and suppressed these
feminine qualities marginalising women in society
Daly agreed that these differences should be recognised and valued rather than
being ignored and advocated for radical separatism as a solution to the corruption of patriarchal society
Daly believed that women could create a new reality and reclaim their power through forming separate spaces both physically and intellectually from men this she argued
would allow women to explore and develop their inherent qualities away from the oppressive influences of patriarchal structures