Feminist Theory

Feminist Theory

           

Feminism could be characterized as change, where they use all of their knowledge and commit their selves into changing woman’s lives (Thomas, Davies, 2005). There are many different political feminist positions when dealing with issues related to resistance (Thomas, Davies, 2005). The theories seem to have the same concept with what they are discussing, however their point of views when digging deeper into the argument are a little bit different. The article I chose to blog about discusses different feminist views that are dealing with the debate between identity politics, resistance, and changing the world for oppressed/marginalized groups (Thomas, Davies, 2005).

Firstly, the issue of identity is argued between the feminist theory. Within a Liberal feminist’s point of view, women and men should have the same and equal rights where ever, because men and women are practically the same (Thomas, Davies, 2005). Therefore, they believe this should be categorized as sex discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice since men and women are still not treated equal (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  Even though this article was written in 2005, sex discrimination still plays a role in society until this day. Men are still paid more than women even if they are doing the exact same job. Men are also still looked upon, as ‘above the women.’ Although it is not as prompt as it was before, women are still looked upon as weaker. The prime example ‘men should not cry,’ or it is thought to be ‘weird to see a man cry,’ but looking at a female cry is normal.

Secondly, the issue of resistance is argued within the feminist theory. Resistance is a large topic that deals with many argumentative topics. However, in general, resistance is reforming a society to attain gender equality and removing the barriers women have when competing with men (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  Within many organizations, as for example a work place, it is thought that gender is invisible and organizations are unintentionally gendered (Thomas, Davies, 2005). As it previously states that if we remove the discrimination of individuals then gender neutrality will be regained and more females will be moved into male stream organizations, such as engineering (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  Although it is unfortunate that engineering has a huge discrimination against females, where lives have been lost due to sex discrimination. It is unfortunate that the world has to come to this position, everyone is equal and no label should be put upon anyone.   

Thirdly, the issue of changing the world for oppressed/marginalized groups is argued within the feminist theory. Females and males do have different opinions and do look at things a little different from one another, different opinions on race class, nation ect; (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  One example is the way females view the world, and also where their values are set, which is on marginalized and alienated people (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  It is thought that by viewing the world from a women’s point of view, will let you be more knowledge and have a better understanding of women’s consciousness (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  This is because women are seemed to have a better touch with the world, although I can argue that this seems stereotypical (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  Although structuralists argue that rather then taking the standpoint as a whole, it needs to be recognized that there are many different standpoints to race, class, sexuality ect; (Thomas, Davies, 2005).  It is stated that women have consequences when speaking about, and for women because they do not look at the many different standpoints (Thomas, Davies, 2005).   This can lead to further debates throughout other points of views.

Relating some of the previous information from Thomas and Davies article, to Steven Hick’s “Social Welfare in Canada”, it is stated that women contribute a large portion to part time work, although they still get underpaid (Hick, 130). Seventy percent of the people working part time jobs are women (Hick, 130). There are more women working and putting in their labour, yet they still get paid less then men. I am not arguing that they should get paid more, but they should be getting paid the same amount, and get recognized that they are putting more into the work industry then men. I personally just feel that women do not have a chance to let themselves show that they are capable just as much as men are. It is also stated in the Steven Hicks book that women are last one to get hired, and the first ones to get fired (Hick, 131). This just adds onto the problems women have to deal and live with.

In conclusion, different feminist views are unalike although ranging around the same concept. As a woman I feel for their views and understand. It is very frustrating to know that women are treated unequally and unfairly. Sex discrimination needs to end and hopefully with all their debates they will come forward. I feel it will make our world a better place to live in.

Hick, S. (2007).  Social Welfare in Canada Understanding Income Security.

Thomas, R., Davies, A. (2005, August 15). What Have the Feminists Done for Us? Feminist Theory and Organizational Resistance. Retrieved from http://org.sagepub.com.libproxy.auc.ca/content/12/5/711.full.pdf+html

Hunter.