Pioneers of Feminism

Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986)

Simone de Beauvoir denies that gender differences are based on biology, insisting that "one is not born, but becomes a woman". In her work The second Sex, Simone gives a detailedanalysis of women's oppression and a foundational track of contemporary feminism. Written in 1949, its English translation was published in 1953. It sets out a feminist existentialism which prescribes a moral revolution. Moreover, the author argues that women have been
historically considered deviant and abnormal and contends that even Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) considered men to be the ideal toward which women should aspire.

Betty Friendan (1921-2006)

Betty Friendan identified ways in which traditional feminine gender roles stifle women's development and emphasized sexism as inherently dehumanizing. In 1963, she wrote The Feminine Mystique criticizing the idea that women could only find fulfillment through child bearing and home-making. She hypothesizes that women are victims of a false belief system that requires them to find identity and meaning in their lives through their husbands and children. Such a system causes women to lose their own identity in that of their family. 

Judith Butler (1956)

In her most influential book Gender Trouble (1990), Butler argued that feminism has made a mistake by trying to assert that 'women' were a group with common characteristics and interests. That approach, Butler said, performed "an unwilling regulation and reification of gender relations". Reinforcing the binary view of gender relations in which human beings are divided into two clear-cut groups, women and men. Rather than opening up possibilities for a person to form and choose their own individual identity, therefore feminism had closed the options down.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond the Words: Understanding Post-Structuralism in Literature

Introduction: In the evolving landscape of literary theory, post-structuralism emerges as a pivotal movement that transcends the rigid confines of structuralism, inviting a more fluid interpretation of texts. This critical framework, burgeoning in the late 20th century, challenges the notion of fixed meanings and structures, advocating for the inherent instability of language and its implications for textual analysis. Origins and Key Thinkers: Post-structuralism, rooted in the philosophical insights of Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, and Roland Barthes, among others, serves as a response to the structuralist endeavor to uncover the universal structures underlying human culture. Derrida's concept of "deconstruction" particularly illuminates the movement's ethos, highlighting the elusiveness of fixed meanings within texts and the endless deferment of signification. Core Concepts: - Textuality and Intertextuality:  This principle posits that texts are not isolated enti
Read more

Rabindranath Tagore Birth Anniversary

Respectful tribute to India's greatest polymath and Nobel Prize Laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary. * Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti or Rabindra Jayanti is a cultural celebration to mark the birth anniversary of the luminary, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary.  * Celebrated annually and globally in May, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti falls on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh.  *He was born on the day in the year 1268, according to the Bengali calendar and 1861 AD, as per the Gregorian calendar. He was also referred to as 'Gurudev', 'Kabiguru' and 'Biswakabi'. His work: *At the age of 11, he accompanied his father on a tour across India. * During the journey, he read the works of famous writers including classical Sanskrit poet Kalidasa.  *Upon returning, he composed a long poem in the Maithili style.  *He began studying the works of Shakespeare in his college years and in 1880 when he returned t
Read more

Life in the postmodern era

Life in the postmodern era can be challenging due to several factors: 1. Complexity and Information Overload: There's a vast amount of information available, thanks to technology and globalization. While this can be beneficial, it also means sorting through vast amounts of data to find what's relevant or true. 2. Rapid Technological Changes: Technology evolves quickly, impacting various aspects of life from work to social interactions. Keeping up with these changes can be demanding and require continuous learning. 3. Globalization and Competition:  The interconnectedness of the world economy means increased competition in many areas, from job markets to business. This can create pressure to perform at higher levels to succeed. 4. Social and Cultural Fragmentation:  Postmodern societies often experience fragmentation in terms of values, beliefs, and identities. This can lead to challenges in finding a sense of belonging or navigating diverse perspectives. 5. Environmental Conc
Read more