This week’s reading “What’s in a Name? Writing the history of Feminism” by Claire Goldberg was very informative about the term feminism. Claire stated that the word feminism has meanings that can change with time and place. To my understanding, this statement means the term feminism has different meaning the changes with time and place. I see where Claire is coming from, but society just knows that the definition of feminism is a person who advocates for women’s rights and equality for both males and females.
To Claire, feminism or feminist is to separate things. Feminism to her is a women’s collective activity to advance women’s condition. While she states that feminism is often assigned to women’s collective that occurs before the word even exists but she believes that the word does not yet exist.
Hi Nia,
That’s a great statement you mentioned from Claire Goldberg. The meaning of feminism definitely changes with time and place. Especially depending on who you ask. The definition of feminism is different for many people depending of their views and opinions on the feminist movement. Feminism is known to have a negative reputation, people tend to not like rebellion so every time the feminist movement gains popularity people tend to go against it more. I agree with your post that there isn’t a solid definition of feminism or a feminist.
HELLO NIA,
It was great reading your comment. I also was so focused on Clair Golberg’s reading because she mentioned some great definitions of feminism and feminist. What I liked about her statement is the fact that most people who consider themselves feminists have actually nothing to do with feminists. Feminism is not only related to sexual issues. It has to do with a lot of positive things too. As Clair Golberg said, there is no clear definition of feminist and each one of us has the right to define it our own way.