To speak of feminism in the context of a set of overarching ideals that define a unified movement is a misrepresentation. It is more accurate to speak of feminisms, which highlights the fact that identifying oneself as a feminist can mean different things. Characteristic of any expanding movement, there are disagreements and overlap between feminists. This does not mean to suggest that feminism is fragmented, but rather to emphasize the diversity of feminist thought and belief that is respected.
Radical feminism is paramount among the many flavors of modern feminism. Often characterized as feminism’s unappealing element, radical feminism has been the creative engine generating the theoretical development that has formed the foundation of contemporary feminist thought. Radical feminism was born out of the civil rights and peace movements of the late 1960s. Radical feminists view the oppression of women as the most fundamental form of oppression, one that cuts across boundaries of race,...
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Suggested Reading
Cott, N. F. (1989). The grounding of modern feminism. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Hooks, B. (2000). Feminism is for everybody: Passionate politics. Cambridge, MA: South End Press.
Moraga, C. L., Tinker, J., & Anzaldua, G. E. (1984). This bridge called my back: Writings by radical women of color (2nd ed.). New York: Kitchen Table Press.
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Aragon, A.P. (2004). Feminism. In: Encyclopedia of Women’s Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-306-48113-0_163
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-306-48113-0_163
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