Feminism in the Western World - 1342 Words

Feminism has had a profound effect on the lives of women across the western world. First wave feminism enabled women equal political rights, second wave fought for reproductive rights and women’s ability to enter the workplace and third wave fought for a more inclusive movement, addressing sexuality, class and race. Feminism is such an expansive subject that it has many different strands and often contradictory viewpoints. Today ‘empowered’ is the word of choice by many young women and celebrities. By definition empowerment, is confidence and  ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬control over one’s life and rights. (Oxford Dictionary). Choice feminists believe that freedom lies within the choice, whether that choice is in how one chooses to physically present themselves or whether they choose to be a homemaker as opposed to entering the workforce. The belief is that women are empowered to make their own decisions and they should not be judged critically for doing so, something that many believe second wave feminists failed to recognize. The literature reviewed in this paper attempts to answer whether modern women really are in control of their own body image or if this idea of female empowerment is actually an illusion. BODY In order to discover the position of the current power balance regarding female body image it is necessary to review it within a historical context. Within the history of art the gender power imbalance is most startling especially in reference to the nude. Berger(1972) describes theShow MoreRelatedFeminist Theory1248 Words   |  5 PagesFeminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements aimed at establishing greater rights, legal protection for women, and or womens liberation. It includes some of the sociological theories and philosophies concerned with issues of gender difference. Nancy Cott defines feminism as the belief in the importance of gender equality, invalidating the idea of gender hierarchy as a socially constructed concept. Feminism has earned itself a bad reputation, but it never undermined gender differencesRead MoreUnder Western Eyes : Feminist Scholarship And Colonial Discourses And The Rise Of Ecofeminism As A Development Fable936 Words   |  4 PagesThis critique reflects on Mohanty’s â€Å"Under Western Eyes: Feminist Scholarship and Colonial Discourses† and Moore’s â€Å"The Rise and Rise of Ecofeminism as a Development Fable: A Response to Melissa Leach’s ‘Earth Mothers and Other Ecofeminist Fables: How a Strategic Notion Rose and Fell.† Both articles raise questions of essentialism as a necessary element in feminism itself, and of naivety, validity and value of essentialized feminist works. This firstly challenges the biological and social definitionRead MoreThe Core Themes Of Postcolonial Theory963 Words   |  4 Pagesthemes.   Postcolonial feminism was born in part as a reaction to western imperialism and colonialism. It set out to address the shortcomings of western models of feminist thought, and questioned concepts such as, ‘sisterhood. Authors such as Collins challenge the universal applicability of western forms of feminism, and suggest that western approaches and their, â€Å"single focus lenses on social inequality, left little space to address the complex social problems that they (third world women) face.†(CollinsRead MoreUnder Western Eyes: Feminist Scholarship and Colonial Discourses1669 Words   |  7 PagesIn her essay, â€Å"Under Western Eyes: Feminist Scholarship and Colonial Discourses,† Chandra Talpade Mohanty explores the simplified construction of the â€Å"third-world woman† in hegemonic feminist discourses. In contrast, in her essay â€Å"US Third-World Feminism: The Theory and Method of Oppositional Consciousness in the Postmodern World,† Chela Sand oval specifically analyzes â€Å"US third-world feminism† and how it is the model for not only oppositional political activity, but also consciousness in the UnitedRead MoreWhy Stories Matter Convincingly Questions The Belief That Securing More Accurate Narratives Of The Past Essay1388 Words   |  6 Pagesinadvertently shaping it). Therefore, the social, cultural, economic, and geopolitical forces that do not fall under the category of feminist theory, such as structural and institutional relationships and forces that make possible the production of academic feminism, cannot be included as part of its history. Why should the scope of feminist history be limited to only what feminist scholars have published? Important factors in feminist history may be found elsewhere thus Hemmings’s citation tactics ought toRead MoreFeminism, The Advocacy Of Women s Rights On The Ground Of The Equality1654 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism is a series of chronological movements and ideo logies aimed at altering the patriarchal system to be equalitarian, so women can uphold the same opportunities and rights as men. Feminism, by definition, is ‘the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes’ (Oxforddictionaries.com, 2015). Therefore, feminism is still relevant within Western society because there is still significant evidence that shows women are still not yet equal with men. Thus, this essay will focusRead MorePositive Changes in the Quality of Life for Woman in Morocco1709 Words   |  7 Pagesparallel those in the western world and create several notable achievements on behalf of human and women’s rights. At the political and social level, there are signs that conditions for women are changing. Social organizations, which encourage women’s rights, are becoming more popular and influential. During the last part of the 19th century continuing through the 20th century women in well off classes had access to feminist ideas and developed the first period of feminism in Morocco. After theRead MoreAnalysis Of Marilyn Frye s Universal Definition Of Oppression1225 Words   |  5 Pagesopinion. As the tension builds, there are two main camps formed: The Western feminist and the Non-Western feminist. (While I personally object to this terminology because of its Eurocentrism, I have yet to find alternatives that encompass the same meaning so it will have to stay standing as imperialist as it is.) Both sets of activists have different roles within these current predicaments facing the unjust treatment of women. Western feminists find themselves in a stalemate of passing critical judgementRead MoreTheory Is A Liberatory Practice1431 Words   |  6 Pagesquestions soon became a part of my everyday life, when I moved to New York. My sophomore year of my college was an eye-opening y ear for me. I declared women’s studies as my minor and I felt this weird comfort inside me after getting introduced to feminism. I was happy to know that I was not the only one who was being treated as â€Å"other† in the society. There were people who were, are and is still struggling and fighting for their rights. As an American Muslim woman, I felt more comfortable around theseRead MoreFeminism : A Feminist Discourse1454 Words   |  6 Pages Although Western feminism started in the 1900s, yet, it didn’t reach the Islamic world until most recently, a couple of hundred years later than the West. Despite the fact that both of the feminism movements come from totally different back grounds, and they are affected by different history and culture, still, both of them aimed for women’s best interests. Muslim women were profoundly feeling aggrieved by the discrimination they have against them. They stereotypical reputation about them in the

Analysis Of Patricia Hill Collins Black Feminist - 956 Words

Patricia Hill Collins black feminist philosopher has written books and spent extensive time on studying the central concept of feminist epistemology is that of women placed in a particular position or condition and hence of fixed knowledge: knowledge that reflects the particular perspectives of women. In her book Black Feminist Thought Collins, expresses her concern as a black women moving from her neighborhood in Philadelphia to Boston she says, â€Å"My world grew larger, but I felt I was growing smaller. I tried to disappear into myself in order to deflect the painful, daily assaults designed to teach me that being an African American, working-class woman made me lesser than those who were not. And as I felt smaller, I become quieter and eventually was virtually silenced (Collins, 1990, p. xi).† However, she did not stay quiet for long, majoring in Sociology gave her the opportunity to study race and offer her endless opportunity to go many directions. In addition Collin s wrote Black Feminist Thought in order to help empower African-American women. She knew that when an individual Black woman’s consciousness concerning how she understands her everyday life undergoes change, she can become empowered. Such consciousness may stimulate her to embark on a path of personal freedom, even if it exists initially primarily in her own mind. My deepening understanding of empowerment stimulated more complex arguments of several ideas. I emphasize Black feminist thought’s purpose,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Patricia Hill Collins s Black Feminists1088 Words   |  5 PagesAmong the central claims of black feminists is the inseparability of the structures and systems of gender, race, and class. Most black feminists deny it is possible for women to focus exclusively on their oppression as women. On the contrary, each woman needs to understand how everything about her provides part of the explanation for her subordinate status. In Black Feminist Thoug ht, Patricia Hill Collins explores the words and ideas of Black feminist intellectuals as well as those African-AmericanRead MoreAnalysis Of Patricia Hill Collins Piece, Defining Black Feminist Thought1816 Words   |  8 PagesPatricia Hill Collins’ piece, Defining Black Feminist Thought, sets out to do exactly that: to determine what Black Feminism is, who is a Black Feminist, and who can become a Black Feminist. While not always specifically stated, her argument and analysis arises from the historical context of the role of Black women in feminist and activist spaces, as well as the social reality of differing lived experiences of African American women from traditional white female feminists. Created in 1990, Collins’Read MoreBook Review: Black Feminist Thought (Patricia Hill Collins) Essay1077 Words   |  5 PagesAlexandra Bobet HIST 3119 Spring 2013 Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment (review) Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Ed. By Patricia Hill Collins. (New York: Routledge, 2000. ii, 336 pp. Cloth, $128.28, ISBN 0-415-92483-9. Paper, $26.21, 0-415-92484-7.) Patricia Hill Collins’s work, Black Feminist Thought seeks to center Black Women into intersectionalist thought, addressing the power struggles thatRead MoreConflicting Paradigms On Gender And Sexuality1453 Words   |  6 Pagessexuality. The Feminist Theory plays a big role in sexuality in rap music, arguing that the representation of black ladies along with sexuality are what represents modern day â€Å"resurrections† of historically constructed images. A big feminist theory activist, Patricia Hill Collins, proved how European thought and the political economy of slavery, race, and labor relations in America has aided in control of black woman sexuality along with fertility in way that created stereotypes for black woman. In aRead MoreStudy Guide Hum 325 Essay1465 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to Patricia Hill Collins in â€Å"The Power of Self-Definition,† creating a safe space is important part of empowerment because: In â€Å"The Power of Self-Definition,† Patricia Hill Collins stresses that self-reliance, self-knowledge, and self-valuation are necessary to empower Black women to create their own self-definitions. According to Patricia Hill Collins, what are â€Å"controlling images†? Patricia Hill Collins defines â€Å"self-valuation† as: When professor Asbell showed the class theRead MoreA Manifesto Of Black Womanhood And Freedom Through Music Essay1764 Words   |  8 PagesAleisha P. Williams COM 673 12/09/2016 A Manifesto of Black Womanhood and Freedom through Music Introduction We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, you can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful. Otherwise, you would threaten the man †¦We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way boys are. Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes (AdichieRead MoreRacism And African American Women Essay1543 Words   |  7 Pagesand being African-American. Through an analysis of the popular African-American sitcom, A Different World, one can see how racism, particularly the concept of controlling images, shapes the reality of African-American women. In an analysis of controlling images of African-American women, it is vital to consider the black feminist thought movement. Dr. Rupe Simms explains that this theory â€Å"†¦consists of a body of knowledge based on the life experience of Black women that interprets their reality, definesRead MoreDr. Patricia Hill Collins3645 Words   |  15 PagesAbstract: Dr. Patricia Hill Collins made significant contributions to the world of academia with her teaching, philosophies, and publications within the subject of Sociology and in the context of social equality. This writing is geared toward the forwarding of her ideas. It is constructed in three main parts. First a brief background history is plied to how she conducted her work. Then, there is an assessment and evaluation of some of her notable works. Finally, a review of how her work was receivedRead MoreBlack Feminism s Speech At The Ohio Women s Rights Convention Essay1442 Words   |  6 Pagesrelevant messages that feminist everywhere can follow behind. Feminism is simply the advocacy of equality of sexes social, political, and economic, but until this can happen you have to address race and class oppression among other inequalities. This is the reason why the idea of black feminism was introduced. Coined by Kimberlà © Crenshaw in 1989, black feminism argues that the experience of bein g a black woman cannot be understood in terms of being black or of being a woman. Black feminism became popularRead MoreEssay about African American Male Feminist2019 Words   |  9 PagesAmerican male feminist is a relatively new concept that is rapidly growing. Alexander Crummell, who was an advocate of black feminism stated, â€Å"For, humble and benighted as she is, the black woman of the South is one of the queens of womanhood. If there is any other woman on this earth who in native aboriginal qualities is her superior, I know not where she is to be found.† Before I discuss the importance, relevance and substance of what it is to be not only a successful male feminist but a universally

Employment and Personal Values Free Essays

What do you do if your personal values are in conflict with organizational/interpersonal business protocols? | Reaction Paper – Week 2| Professional Development MBA-525-MBOL5| Kelly M. Mistretta| 7/15/2012| | Values are a part of each of us. Our value system is influenced from birth by family members. We will write a custom essay sample on Employment and Personal Values or any similar topic only for you Order Now As we grow, our values continue to be shaped by our family, in addition to outside influences such as teachers, friends and other mentors. In our professional life, we will most likely be faced at some point in time, with a conflict between our personal values and a professional situation. It is important to handle the conflict with dignity and to find a solution to the conflict in which your individual values are maintained, as well as your professional integrity. Personal values act as motivators and impact priorities. Examples of motivating values are achievement, happiness, advancement/promotion, and family. â€Å"To gain a better understanding of how your values motivate you to set priorities, try looking at your personal activities. (Values, 8) When making a decision based on your personal values and the activities that influence these values, it is important to realize that the priority that you place on these values will potentially have both positive and negative consequences. When choosing a career at a company, you should recognize the potential consequences and conflicts that you may be faced with. It is important to distinguish carefully between your personal values and organizational values. When faced with a situation that you feel uncomfortable with in a professional situation, you should first consult with your company’s Code of Conduct. It is possible that the situation also is in conflict with the Code of Conduct. Although the law does not require a Code of Conduct, â€Å"company leaders see the benefit of having their ethical policies formalized. † (Pace, 28) Codes of Conduct are beneficial to employers, because it lets employees know what is expected of them. It is important for an employer to uphold their Code of Conduct, because if they don’t, the code becomes useless. All employees should have a copy of the Code of Conduct to refer to so that they know what is considered acceptable conduct, how to handle and report misconduct and the potential penalties for misconduct. Relationships with employees, peers and bosses can cause conflict for management. â€Å"The dilemma is further complicated by the fact that these critical people may have contrary goals and competing needs. A misstep in handling an ethical issue may well affect a relationship, or linger on the conscience, for years to come. † (Maddux, 7) As an employee, when faced with a situation that goes against your personal beliefs, you must make sure that regardless of the outcome, you have a clear conscience and feel comfortable with your decisions and actions. An example of personal values conflicting with business values for me occurs on an almost daily basis with a co-worker. This person plays Christian music loudly at her cubicle throughout the day. Personally, I do not have a problem with the Christian music. In fact, I listen to a Christian radio station in my vehicle constantly. However, I do not agree that the workplace is the best place to play this music. We see a variety of customers throughout the day who have different beliefs and values than we do. Furthermore, we work in a government office and have to be very careful not to cross over an imaginary line. I personally would be offended if I visited a government office and had rap music or heavy metal music played to me while conducting business. I think that she could offend a customer who would rather not hear about religion while obtaining a building permit. A better option for this co-worker would be to listen to her music when there are no customers and then mute or stop the music when there is someone at her desk. Professionalism is a trait that we should maintain at all times. It can be hard to maintain your composure when a situation conflicts with your personal beliefs. An individual needs to consider how the ramifications and the severity of these ramifications when analyzing a situation that offends them personally. If the situation involves a co-worker, you should discuss the situation with them and let them know why you find their actions offensive to you. Hopefully your co-worker will respect your values and you can find common ground on the situation. REFERENCES Frederick, William C. (1995). Values, Nature, and Culture in the American Corporation. Cary, NC:Oxford University Press. Maddux, Dorothy, Maddux, Robert B. , Sanders, Marian. (1989). Ethics in Business: A Guide for Managers. Boston:Course Technology Crisp. Pace, J. (2006). The Workplace: Interpersonal Strengths and Leadership. Boston:McGraw Hill. Values, Motivation, and Priorities. (2007). Setting Priorities: Personal Values, Organizational Results, 8-11. Trade-offs and Consequences. (2007). Setting Priorities: Personal Values, Organizational Results, 16-17. How to cite Employment and Personal Values, Papers