Many people- both men and women- make arguments that feminism, while having radically changed viewpoints since the 19th amendment, is irrelevant in the world we live in today. They argue that women now have the same rights as men, the same opportunities as men, and are equal to men in the eyes of the country. But is that true? Or is feminism still something that women desperately need, even in 2022?
A big reason feminism could be argued as relevant today is gender-based violence. The amount of women that have been sexually harassed/assaulted in America is an astoundingly high number-- and while men too can be sexually assaulted, the number of women is much much higher. Crime statistics state that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical/sexual violence. The power imbalance in play just in violence and sexual assault alone can affirm the fact that feminism is important because really the only way to reassert female power is with a movement to embody that change is needed.
Another reason is the public perception of women in our world. Typically, society views women as weaker and less sound of mind than men- more emotional, and therefore "unable to make their own decisions". Many countries deny women the right to safe abortion- leaving decisions that should be based on bodily autonomy to people who lack consideration for their well-being. Plus, all over the world young girls fall victim to child marriage. "In South Asia, 45% of women aged 20-24 years reported being married before the age of 18, with 17% of girls married before the age of 15" (The F word: is feminism necessary in the 21st century?).
So what do you think? Is feminism still something women need/benefit from? Is it effective? Do women have equal rights and opportunities compared to men?
https://uclpimedia.com/online/the-f-word-is-feminism-necessary-in-the-21st-century
Replies
Interesting topic and well written Scarlett!
I think that feminism is still relevant today. I've personally felt or been told that I'm less than a man but I'm sure it happens. I do think that things are pretty equal for men and women. I think that feminism is especially something we still need when it comes to sexual assult.
I think that women are considered equal to men. In my life, I have never been told I can't do something because I'm a girl, and I respect the women before me who have made that possible. I just don't think we have much more to fight for, because we have attained all the same rights.
Agreed, while we all do have the same rights, it's more about the opportunities that men have over women later in life like in jobs, especially with older generations/people. There are a lot of discrepancies between how men and women are treated at work, especially with jobs that are considered more "masculine" like construction and things like that.
I feel like women still dont feel like they are equal with men. I agree that women are thought to be not tough enough or cant handle work. Therefore men think that women are not capable of working the hard jobs which makes men more capable to get the jobs.
I believe that we are far from equality. There ae still many aspects in which women are stereotyped as lesser than men. Perhaps some who otherwise don't see or understand what they think or say can be seen as sexist towards women. Of course in countries other than the US have it much worse than we do here,
Yes definitely there are many aspects that portray women as less than men, a lot of jobs that are geared towards men are kind of taboo for women and it can be hard for them to stand out in these kinds of jobs. But yes of course most countries are much less progressed.
I think that as the world goes on and more women are beginning to stand up for themselves and prove themselves, women are men are starting to become more "equal". But are we really treated equally? I think that things are catorgorized into "men jobs" and "women jobs." and "men jobs" are proven to pay more.
I agree, there are definitely jobs that are considered strictly for one gender and the gross majority of the public thinks it's weird if a man does a woman's job and vice versa. Men's jobs are definitely more respected and probably pay higher too.
I think Feminism is not being talked about in media as it had been before. I don't truly belive that women are still equal in todays world, even in america, Ive been to many places and seen many view points are I can assure you some people view points on women eqaulity is that its not necessary or wanted. I personally dont think many men are that feel compelled to mistreat people, especially women, is going to fear a women who most likely is smaller than him. I think better education of respect at an earlier age would help immensely towards gettin rid of the problem of women inequality.
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