THE FREEDOM FEMINIST AGENDA
The historical women's movement, at its best and most effective, was representative, broad-based, and purposive. It sought to improve society rather than fundamentally change it. It had won many famous victories and earned the gratitude and respect of posterity. Today's movement has harnessed the prestige of historic feminism, but it aims and methods are those of a narrow, intellectually, corrupt, special-interest group. It does not have to be this way. What follows are five suggestions for a revival of the freedom feminist movement.
1. Take back reason
There is a dire need to correct decades of feminist advocacy research. Women who study and write about women's issues should not check their critical mind or brain at the door. Sounds policies on problems, such as violence against women, gender and education, and workplace equity must be predicated on sound research. Legislators, academia, and the public are getting too little trustworthy information on women's issues and political discourse and policy are suffering as result.
Fortunately, there is a growing sector of serious empirical research, much of it being collected and aggregated by women. This research displays an increasing self confidence and willingness to challenge the dogmas of feminist brain trust. Women of freedom feminism wing need to give solid research greater prominence and call out political figures and journalists who rely on dubious data and pretend no alternative exists. Most of all, a leading role must take place in drafting a new platform of policies and cultural standards concerned with real issues confronting modern women.
2. Be pro-women but not male-averse
Today's feminist groups think of men as rivals. Not only are men criticized but, male issues and problems are ignored or explained away. For example, there is an alarming growing gender gap in education. Male students are are academically behind than female students. A reformed women's movement would acknowledge that this is pressing public issue. Men and women complement each other. We are not on separate teams and we are not natural adversaries. Our fates are inseparable and inextricably tied. If one is in trouble, so is the other.
3. Respect female diversity
Twenty-first feminism needs to accept women as they are not what they are supposed be according to the egalitarian specifications drawn up in 1978. Women are various and diverse. Some choose to be arduous about their careers as men and some are not. Regardless of the nearly 40 years of gender neutral-pronouns and abrasive condemnation of women's traditional roles, domestic life remains a vital priority for millions. No matter the amount of conscientious persuasion has discouraged women to pursue jobs in the helping and caring professions. Freedom feminism welcomes and respects the choices of both groups of young women that are pursuing their happiness.
4. No political litmus tests
Freedom feminists can be liberal, conservative, or libertarian. They can differ over abortion, the wage gap, and the role of government in the lives of women. They can strike different accords between family and career. They can even stand together for solid ends while standing on different sets of beliefs and philosophies.
What they must share is respect is for differences of opinion and choice. They must be insistent that debate and scholarship be based in reason and empirical evidence. They must be committed to improving the lives of women, recognize that the sexes are equal but, different, and devote to Enlightened democratic principles.
Should you ever ask me, "Are you a feminist?" in reply I will say, "Yes. I am a freedom feminist."
Source: Freedom Feminism, Its surprising history and why it matters today. Written by Christina Hoff Sommers.
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