There is a mixed opinion in society about feminism. Some refer to this phenomenon with sarcasm, others it causes a smile, and someone shares the main provisions of this trend. Throughout the history of its development, feminism has become not only a movement, but also a philosophy, and a religion, and a way of life.
The first impression that comes from the mention of feminism is not entirely unambiguous. On the one hand, there is no doubt that women should have the same rights as men. At the same time, the superiority of women over men, the rejection of family and marriage can lead to the disappearance of the human species as such. What is the essence of this women's movement?
Feminism is the fight against gender discrimination against women. Women's dependence becomes most evident when it comes to economic and political life, control over property, professional opportunities, etc.
Feminism has gone through two stages in its development. The first of them took place in the 18th and the first quarter of the 19th century. The main requirement of feminists was the creation of equal conditions for men and women. An important aspect of these conditions was the right to vote in political elections.
The second stage of the formation of feminism took place in the 70-80s. XX century. Its key position was the proclamation of the slogan "Equality in difference". At this stage, there are three main trends: radical, socialist and liberal.
The first two assumed the woman's independence from family, marriage, love, etc. The overthrow of the patriarchal system and the creation of a new society were promoted. The liberal branch of feminism did not rely on such a radical transformation. The role of a woman as a keeper of the hearth and a caring mother remained unchanged, but the fundamental principle of the theory was the division of labor between the sexes.
The emergence of feminism as a social movement is not surprising. It is enough to get acquainted with the works of such philosophers as Hegel or Thomas Aquinas. The first believed that a woman is a "failed man", and the second suggested not at all to regard the fairer sex as human beings.
