The problem of gender equality: a critique of the basic principles of liberal feminism

Date

3-2003

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Abstract

The dichotomy of gender has long been discussed and debated. From the definition to the roles they play, women have been compared and contrasted to men. Men are considered dominant, superior, more capable and more powerful than women.Thus, women, especially feminists, who were affected by this domination, aim to criticize the patriarchal system and to establish "a theory or a movement that is concerned with advancing the position of women." Gender is one aspect of the domination that resulted from patriarchy. It is basically a social and ideological construction of the roles and characteristics of men and women in a given society.

Consequently, gender is a system that divides power. This division of power resulted primarily on the issue of differences. It is said that the justification of patriarchy is that men and women are different from one another. On the contrary, feminists argue that men and women should be treated equally because they are the same. This is specifically the main argument of liberal feminism. However, the problem with liberal feminism is that it is anchored and based on the arguments of liberalism that is subject to criticisms. Therefore, if it can be proven that the foundation of liberal feminism is dubitable and weak, then their basic claim of gender equality can be disregarded and repudiated.

Men and women are different from each other just as women are different among themselves.Thus, if equality is based on the notion of sameness, then the equality that the liberal feminists aim for is unattainable. In terms of feminist philosophy or thought, equality and difference are two opposing concepts because the acceptance of one implies rejection of the other. Hence, as liberal feminists choose equality they are also aware that the concept of difference is 'antithetical' to it. If the latter is proved, their claim for equality will be debunked.

In addition, the notion of equality is limited specifically to moral and legal equality which the liberal feminists advocate, that is, equality grounded on the concept of sameness of the capacity to reason or rationality among human beings. Also, arguments and criticisms are based only on the claims of liberal feminism which is founded on liberalism. On the other hand, equality as conceived by this thesis will be concluded as the condition of valuing and giving importance to one's strengths and capabilities as well as to others, regardless of the differences that inevitably exist. Thus, it denies the liberal feminist assumption that equality necessitates sameness.

In conclusion, women's self image will be revealed as one significant factor in women's oppression and subordination. In the same way that society affects a person's perception of his/herself, how a person views him/herself also affects the relation of that person to the society. Self image is one important factor in women's plight for self-fulfillment and self-autonomy. Therefore, it is recommended that to remedy and somehow ease the burden that the problem that the concept of gender equality brings, women should start from herself in realizing the inevitable reality that men and women are two distinct creatures which both have the capabilities to achieve their full humanity.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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