Sociology Perspective on Feminism: Definition, Classification, and Core Concepts

Feminism, in its simplest form, is the belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. This belief has shaped four waves of the women's movement, each addressing different aspects of gender inequality and oppression.

The first wave, which began with the Women's Suffrage Movement in 1848, aimed to grant women the right to vote. While this movement led to international law changes, it's important to note that initially, only white women from privileged backgrounds were permitted to vote in some countries.

The second wave, which emerged in the 1960s, broadened the debate to include a wider range of issues such as sexuality, family, reproductive rights, legal inequalities, and divorce law. Key intellectual figures of this wave, such as Simone de Beauvoir, advocated for women's rights and challenged traditional gender roles.

The third wave, thought to have taken off in the 1990s, focused on fighting against workplace sexual harassment and working to increase the number of women in positions of power. This wave also encouraged men to express themselves freely, breaking down cultural norms that restrict emotional expression.

The fourth wave, digitally driven and more inclusive, began around 2012. It has been sparked by allegations of sexual abuse and harassment, particularly of celebrities, and has given birth to campaigns such as the Everyday Sexism Project and the #MeToo movement. This wave has been instrumental in making feminism more inclusive, embracing individuals of any sexual orientation, ethnicity, and trans individuals.

Feminist theories posit that gender inequality and oppression are the result of capitalism and patriarchy, in which men dominate. These theories recognise that women's experiences are not only different from men's but are unequal. They aim to highlight the social problems and issues that are experienced by women, with a focus on discrimination on the basis of sex and gender, objectification, economic inequality, power, gender role, and stereotypes.

Intersectional feminism, a branch of feminist theory, believes that traditional feminist theories focus too much on the experiences of Western, middle-class, white women and overlook the oppression faced by women of color, working-class women, and others. Intersectionality considers that gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and others, are not separate but interwoven and can bring about different levels of oppression.

Critics suggest that a weakness of feminist theory is that it is from a woman-centered viewpoint, and that men and women view the world differently. However, feminists share a common goal in support of equality for men and women, although there are various ways to approach this theory.

Feminist theory also relates to crime by recognizing that there is a disproportionate amount of violence and crime against women. Feminists will oppose laws and cultural norms that mean women earn a lower income and have less educational and career opportunities than men. They aim to fix the system so that fewer men commit crimes against women and that there is proper justice for women who experience violence from men.

Feminism also helps men's mental health by lifting the shame associated with talking about their emotions and not feeling the expectation to 'man up' and keep their feelings buried. Through feminism, men are encouraged to be free to express themselves in a way which may be considered 'typically feminine' such as crying when they are upset.

However, some critics argue that modern-day feminism is redundant since women have the opportunity to work, and the nature of family life has changed in response. Yet, feminists continue to advocate for change, promoting sexual freedom, including ending the stigma of being promiscuous and ensuring that everyone has access to safe abortions.

Prominent feminist figures in different waves of the women's movement include Hedwig Kettler, Eleanor Roosevelt, Simone de Beauvoir, Betty Friedan, and the feminist activist group Pussy Riot. These individuals have played crucial roles in shaping the feminist movement and pushing for change.

In conclusion, feminism is a major branch of sociology that views society as a conflict between men and women, with a belief that women are oppressed and/or disadvantaged by various social institutions. It continues to evolve, becoming more inclusive and addressing a wider range of issues, all with the common goal of achieving equality for men and women.

Sociology Perspective on Feminism: Definition, Classification, and Core Concepts