Feminism as a Theory

At its core, feminism is a political stance, ideology and movement based on the view that all people should have equal rights and freedoms despite their sex[1] or gender. Feminism covers social, political and economic equality. Feminism recognizes that women are in a subordinated position compared to men. However, contemporary feminism also acknowledges other genders and that people face inequalities because of characteristics other than gender. Therefore, feminism seeks freedom from oppression and restrictive hierarchies for all, not only women. 

Feminism is an evolving movement and ideology which takes on different forms. They are united by a critical analysis of gender-based power structures and a commitment to transforming social norms to eradicate gender-based oppression.

Forms of Feminism – Different Waves and Schools

Over the last centuries, feminism has evolved through different schools and approaches. It is often classified into the following waves, although clear distinctions between them cannot be made.

The first wave of feminism as a political movement began in the late 1800’s. Main questions of the time were legal rights; the right to vote and stand for elections.

The second wave broadened the agenda from participation to self-determination and autonomy. Reproductive rights, the right to own property and make decisions for oneself, and equality at the workplace and within families, were at the centre of this wave between the 1960s and 1990s.

In the so-called third wave of feminism, starting from the 1990s, the viewpoint widened to better consider the different experiences and realities of different people in marginalized positions – also those who did not represent the white, economically stable, upper middle-class women in Western countries, who were the stereotypical suffragettes fighting for women’s right to vote. This wave is also called intersectional feminism. It derives its name from the notion that gender is not the only factor of oppression, but rather multiple characteristics such as gender, race, class and health status intersect. It’s based on an understanding that these different elements create different experiences of oppression and power, and therefore they must be explored together. In this wave the rights of gender and sexual minorities also entered mainstream feminist ideology. 

The fourth wave from 2010s onwards has intensified the focus on sexual harassment, bodily autonomy and rights of transgender people. Different specific approaches have also emerged in the feminist movement. For example, ecofeminism addresses the intersections of ecological justice and gender equality.

Through the different waves of feminism, multiple schools of thought have been formed:

• Liberal feminism focuses on individuals’ equality in official systems and approaches change through political and legal reform.

• Radical feminism critiques patriarchy and seeks to transform social relations and societal structures.

• Socialist/Marxist feminism links gender oppression to capitalism and class.

• Postcolonial feminism centres the experiences of women in the Global South and critiques Western-centric narratives.

Feminist Practices in Politics

In addition to a theoretical framework, feminism is also a concrete political practice. Individuals and institutions that drive feminist ideology in its multiple forms focus on these key principles:

• Equality: Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

• Agency: Ensuring individuals can make autonomous decisions and effectively participate in decisions that affect their life and societies.

• Justice: Addressing injustices that women (and other marginalized groups) face today and have faced in the past.

Feminism in politics is practiced through, among others:

• Lobbying for equal representation of all genders in politics and other aspects of public life, e.g. through quotas and other affirmative measures.

• Legislative advocacy to eradicate gender-based violence and ensure equal in all aspects of life, including education, employment and political participation.

• Critique of structures that perpetuate gender norms and gender inequality and other forms of inequality.

• Mobilizing citizens through grassroots advocacy and mass campaigns, e.g. on social media, to multiply the effect of institutional advocacy. 

Some key political questions on the agenda of contemporary mainstream feminist in politics include:

• Gender-based violence, domestic violence and sexual violence, which disproportionately affect women.

• Economic justice, such as equal pay, fair wages in female dominated fields and workplace equality.

• Reproductive rights and justice, such as access to contraceptives and family planning.

• Political participation of all genders: for example, violence in politics and the high cost of political campaigning hinder the opportunities of women and minorities to run for office.

• Care work: paid and unpaid activities like childcare, eldercare, and domestic labour that are largely performed by women but are often not compensated nor recognized as essential to the success and survival of communities and societies.

• Climate justice: the notion that the effects of climate change disproportionately affect populations who are already more vulnerable situations, including women, and that a just climate transition must take these populations into consideration. 

[1] Sex refers to the biological..