Is feminism fundamentally flawed?

Question

as it uses scant empirical data for its' often sweeping generalisations and stereotypes?

As a humanity it shuns scientific and or statistical methodology for evidence- and many arguments are based upon other theoretical/academic arguments metaphorically a rickety house of cards?

It is based primarily on an American born white Christian/Jewish educated middle-class female's experiences thus is inherently classist and bigoted as it generally excludes non moderately affluent females, who maybe poor or v wealthy white, other races or non Judeo-Christian?

It is over-represented by generationally modaretely affluent Jewish academics- such as Gertrude Stein, Gloria Steinem, Liz Wurtzel etc- who lack the highly complex amalgam REAL life experiences of women outside their immediate peer group?

Has feminism measurable improved 3rd world women's lot or has empirical education, Western science and medicine done far greater-

If not then is feminism not only redundant but self-congratulatory?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I think I'm in love with you.

I feel more than any sociological theory, Feminism really have pushed the boat out in regards to mass homogenisation of the people whos' suffering it seeks to ameliorate. It's created new obsolete, and reinforced traditional conceptions of gender and gender roles without any reference to how cultural roles are created by social apparatus, it's more than fundamentally flawed.

Moreover, it's produced asymmetrical viewpoints of gender violence which have resulted in males as victims of gender violence receiving no recognition. Rather than eradicate victimisation, it's catalysed it.

Edit - Troll, feminism has had huge effect in the Third World, primarily Africa, most contemporary feminist theory comes from third world countries only it has an anthropological feel to it. They've contributed more to the theories literature than anyone since Mary Daly.

Oh please, Simone de Beauvoir was a serial woman hater, she did nothing to put me in unity with her, have you even read the second sex? seriously, it's like self mutilation.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

The answer that was creme de la creme.
Thanks all-= very intelligent answers from everybody.

Answer 2

Nah

Answer 3

Wow, even I can spot a load of crap here.

Answer 4

ur logic stinks

Answer 5

baically, it's something that shouldn't have to happen in a decent society

Answer 6

there are lumps of it around the back

Answer 7

feminism is flawed in sense that they want to be treated 'equally' then they may want "set-asides" and have quotas to get their perceived "equatable" treatment.

Equal and sex-blind? or not blind and quotas? Sounds like a fork-tongue lying situation.

Answer 8

It's difficult to answer this correctly without examples of the statistical data that has been shunned and the data that was used. So what I will say is that feminism was neccesary back in emmeline pankhursts day, but today it can be just another form of extremism. True equality will only come when we forget all the extremism and just live in harmony as people and not categorised into various groups.

Answer 9

Anti-feminists, mos if not all political groups, many charities also use stereotypes and generalisations (as a species we a prone to classification). I don;t think feminism does this especially.

It's not a science, it's a social and political movemen (women's studies might be required to use scientific or statistical methodology). It, like everyone else, requires evidence to back up points in arguments, and usually provides this. At least as often as anti-feminists do.

Liberal feminism was *originally* white middle class, but has since branched ou after being critised for this the black feminist movement (a whole distinct feminist movement) would be very pissed of if you suggest they are only working for the white middle class (have some sense, please).

Why does the type of academic matter, specifically? They are supposed to be objective. Plus, note above - lots of different types of feminism. Also, Simone du Beauvour? There are examples you are ignoring.

It's not whether feminism has done most, it's what feminism has done. Some branches are working harder than western government to prevent genital mutiliation for example.

All political and social movements have flaws - we're only human. However, these examples were not great/

Answer 10

In it's basic essence feminism is sticking up for their rights, for equality.

This is a good thing, and is not redundant anywhere woman is discriminated against.

The particular brand of feminism you are talking about may well be redundant, but by no means can all feminism be called redundant.

Answer 11

YES.

Women are truthfully the weaker sex and historically have engaged in a supportive role of males, however there is absolutly no reason in my opinion as to why women should not be treated as equals partners in a civilised society.

Feminism has not in my opinion had much effect in the third world YET , but with education and the adoptance of western standards will eventually appear.

Source(s):

Good God I'M answering questions seriously now- time to get back under the bridge and return to my true form.

Answer 12

I have no doubts that feminism is fundamentally flawed.

Answer 13

I would think the word feminism derives from the word feminine, which in case it would be flawed since feminine means qualities refering to a woman or girl and feminists fight for their right to be like men, not for their right to be treated like human beings, but it's all good considering men are fighting for their right to become girly. I wonder if a girly man is considered to be a feminist? HMMMM, is it possible, or does a man need a sex change operation first? I'm so confused! ;-)

Answer 14

"as it uses scant empirical data for its' often sweeping generalisations and stereotypes?"

no, but i think your argument is flawed and i spotted that from the very first sentence. again, your opinion is not fact.

Source(s):

nice try

Answer 15

No, because it fulfils the criteria of a social science, which is based on theories. Sociology, psychology and anthropology all have their stars, critics and controversies.

It is true that a big prob for black women is that the US/Eurocentic feminism did not accept black womens issues as any different to their own for a long time, but you try telling feminists from Africa and Asia that they would be better off without it! They have different issues to fight, but they are fighting for womens rights just the same.

Answer 16

The fundamental flaw in feminism is that it is sex-based and sex-biased and therefore ultimately socially divisive.

However, equalism http://www.celticsurf.net/phpBB3/viewfor…
is neither sex-based nor sex-biased and nor is it colour-based or colour-biased. It sees people as people.

Source(s):

Researching the "Rape Culture" of America
http://www.leaderu.com/real/ri9502/somme…

Answer 17

Dead on.

Your complaint is a nice summary of womanist writers of color like Audre Lorde and Gloria Anazulda (sp?).

Try reading womanist and Latina and Black feminists/womanists.
Its feminism without the sanctimonius, whiny spoiled white girl sound.

They are like white feminists, only they actually make sense, and most of all...they do not whine about how hard it is to be white rich and female.

The absence of racism is refreshing, too :)

Answer 18

NO

How could it ever be flawed?