Abstract

Natalie Forney

English 102

19 November 2015

Feminism Research Paper Abstract

The author of this paper addresses the confusion and uncertainty in modern U.S. society that surrounds feminism, and through research and personal observation, argues that the feminist movement that exists today is having a negative cultural impact that is getting in the way of positive change. The type of feminism critiqued in this paper, as there are many, include the positions of the national and political feminist movements. The paper’s major themes include how feminism has evolved throughout history, how its definition has changed and what it means now, how it is having a large impact on our present US culture, and how feminism needs to change to succeed in positive change. As a part of the young generation that is being affected by feminism, the author is able to share her insight along with the insight of other scholars to prove that feminism as an idea is necessary in our culture but that its present state is impeding women’s equality. Presently, feminism is effectively repressing characteristics that are typical to women. In order to survive and progress, feminism needs to recognize and celebrate the valuable differences between men and women and cease to make differences look like inequality. Feminism needs to celebrate men in order to establish that feminism is a movement for all people. Feminism must also stop encouraging young women to explore their sexuality, that this is the way for women to truly be liberated. A women’s sexual decisions ought to be her private affair, based on her own morals, worldview, and opinion. If these changes can be made, argues the author, than feminism can perform the necessary actions that it is meant to do.