Feminism can be defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes and organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests. Many people speculate and form misconceptions about feminism due to the lack of knowledge on the subject. Here are some common misconceptions of feminism and the truth behind them.
Misconception #1: Feminism is a Way to Liberate Women at the Expense of Men
No. By definition, feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of the equality of the sexes. Feminists believe that women need to be treated equal. Not above or below anybody, just equal. Feminists do not judge on the basis of gender, rather disapprove the patriarchy and the idea that a man is superior to women. This can relay to many social, political, and economic issues in society to make women equal.
Misconception #2: Only Women Can be Feminists
You don’t have to be an animal to support animal rights, do you? Well you do not have to be women to support the equal opportunities of all genders. Anyone who supports the equal rights for women is a feminist. If you disapprove of concepts like patriarchy and matriarchy because they put one gender above the other, you are a feminist too. There is nothing wrong with men being feminists too, it is actually something to encourage and be proud of.
Misconception #3: All Feminists Are The Same
No and yes. Feminists all have the same goal, equaityl. Feminism encompasses a variety of people and positions. Feminists are religious, atheistic, and all in between. Feminists are different races and ethnicities. Feminists are married, single, or dating. Feminists are apart of the LGBTQ+ community and are straight. Feminists are pro- choice, pro- life, politically liberal, and politically conservative. There are many different types of feminists, but in the end we all want the same thing.
Misconception #4: If You Are a Feminist, You Cannot Be Religious
No. If you are a feminist you can be religious. Many people believe that all feminists are abortion- loving, man- hating, crude, and obnoxiously radical. Not all feminists believe in the same thing, but what issues within feminism they do believe want them to be equal within all people. The Christian Bible also associated women in leadership roles, making God make women just as important. In the Old Testament, God made Deborah a judge with was a high position of leadership. Esther, a woman of good nature and faith, also helped saved the Jews. God and Jesus put women in prominent roles to help show how important they are, and that is what feminism promotes as well.
Misconception #5: Feminism has made women equal now, and there is no need for feminists or the current women’s movement.
This is false. Women are still behind in many different ways; continue to be paid less on average than men, many jobs use a glass ceiling on women, making it easier for men to get better jobs, many jobs are not friendly to mothers, and women continue to be responsible for the majority of the household work. The gender gap in the United States is that women are only paid 80% of what men are paid. Women on average are getting paid around 20% less than men. Is this okay?
By making aware of these misconceptions, you can become knowledgeable on the truths of feminism. You can help spread the truth, help empower everyone, and help make everyone equal within the political, economic, and social elements of society.
Let us know how you have combat the misconceptions of feminism in order to make the truth heard! You have a voice, use it!