Liberal Feminism

Nora Hovanic
WS 200
Joelle Ryan
2 January 2008

Liberal Feminism

Liberal Feminism is a form of feminism that works towards the equality of men and women. It generally works in the form of politics and legal constitution. It works for gender equality and the assertion that women can have the ability to achieve equality. Issues Liberal Feminists mainly focus on include reproductive and abortion rights, sexual harassment, voting, education, "equal pay for equal work," affordable childcare, affordable health care, and bringing to light the frequency of sexual and domestic violence against women. Liberal Feminism differs from other types of feminism because it works to politically change legal standings. Many feminist groups work toward similar goals, but Liberal Feminists are groups of women that act to change women’ standings legally.

I do believe I see myself as a Liberal Feminist, although I would not say I am an extreme. I can’t envision myself taking my beliefs and values to congress or lobbying to create better equality between men and women, although I do believe in some of the core contents. I am politically liberal, but a lot of that I believe has to do with the environment that I was raised in. Being a native Bay Area California resident, surrounded by some of the most liberal democratic people in the United States, I feel some of my beliefs are altered. I believe in equal rights for men and women across the board, but I mainly am for reproductive and abortion rights, and being a single mother, affordable childcare and healthcare. I would call myself a Liberal Feminist, although I am tentative to ever associate my name with any type of feminist group, or title that encloses feminism. That is only a personal choice, and I think everyone, man or woman, has an understanding for what they want their name associated with.

If you are interested in learning more about Liberal Feminist you can look into readings by Mary Wollstonecraft (18th century), John Stuart Mill (19th century), or Naomi Wolf and Rebecca Walker (present day). You can also research the number one Liberal Feminism organization, National Organization for Women (NOW). Google the words liberal feminism and it too can take you to multiple websites and offer thousands of resources into the world of liberal feminism.