Despite the disturbing reality we are all facing of attempting to argue for human decency through our own politics, but still being ascribed labels, there is a middle ground on each issue that many have unheard of. This is especially true for the issue of women’s rights in contemporary times. ‘Difference feminism’ undeniably resolves much of the dilemma that media figures have spent years arguing. Unfortunately, many people discussing the topic don’t know of the movement, and the information continues to sink down the internet.
The “to be or not to be” of feminism has been a downfall to the progress of revealing women’s humanity to the world. Most media figures who claim feminism would more accurately be called “radical feminists”. Radical feminists believe that all of society is held back by “patriarchy” which argues for nonexistent male-female differences through which it promotes male-female hierarchy. They believe by dismantling gender differences socially that society will benefit. Other media figures who claim to disagree with feminism point to the mainline feminist teachers primarily across the first and second wave movements, whose views are oftentimes those of radical feminism, and claim that they make the false agenda of erasing tradition, difference, and male leadership, concluding that feminism altogether is wrong.
Yet, both of these sides don’t acknowledge the shared view — women and men are equal in dignity and value. That view is where difference feminism comes into play. Originally, difference feminism was created by the women who were opposed to the mainstream feminism movement which wanted to place women into typically masculine settings and roles, and eliminate sex difference. Difference feminism promoted the idea that instead, women’s traditional roles should be equally valued and respected as men’s. Today, many difference feminists believe in equal legal rights and opportunities for education and work, but also hold that men and women should be seen in a complementary way. Difference feminism recognizes the duality of sexes and notes that men and women have inherent differences, but that the cultures that claim this but stick to sexist constructs — such as a lack of representation for “feminine” traits — need to reshape their priorities.
All in all, a multitude of people among the political spectrum are likely to be hidden “difference feminists”. This movement could be the key to promoting a helpful conversation politically about women’s rights. Lastly, it answers the battle of having to describe what should be coherent virtues and morals.
