reply to each of the discussion post. each post response should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

Kelly Hicks-Lane

 Discussion Question #3

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Feminism refers to the belief of equality of men and women in all aspects such as treatment, social rights and opportunities. There are different types of feminism such as classical, difference, radical and equity feminism. Classical feminism focuses on the violation of the human rights of women (Bock & James, 2005). Classical feminism acknowledges that the rights of women are a part of human rights. It deals with issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and fighting for the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women. Classical feminism praises feminity. Classical emphasizes that despite the differences between the male and female gender, we are equal although we are not the same biologically. 

Difference feminism focuses on the fundamental difference between men and women. It means that the two genders possess different qualities and brings different values to a relationship. Difference feminism emphasizes the superiority of the female gender to the male gender (Pollock, 2003). For example, difference feminism brings about what is referred to as politics of difference when it comes to raising children because of the different values and qualities the parents impart in the child. Radical feminism is against the patriarchal society that shows the domination of the male gender over the female gender. According to radical feminists, the patriarchal society encourages inequality of rights, opportunities, and privileges on the lines of sexes. 

Equity feminism emphasizes that women should enjoy the same opportunities afforded to men. It encourages gender equality in all aspects such as legal and social status. Generally, it stresses that an individual should not be denied an opportunity or a right because of their sex (Harding, 1986). We must try to undo the social and psychological damage done by the centuries of male-dominated culture -- by making women aware of how much in their personal and professional lives has been dominated and designed by men (Rosenstand, 2018). In today’s world, the dominant type of feminism is equity feminism — feminist advocate for equal opportunities for both men and women. Equity and difference feminists share the same end goal. The result they both want is equal opportunities for both men and women. Different feminists hold different view but what unites all four types of feminism is their desire to end the oppression of either sex specifically women. 

An example of a feminist ethical issue is the division of domestic chores. Traditional ethics assumed that it was the role of the woman to perform household chores. The radical feminist would be against the woman entirely taking responsibility, and by their belief, it fuels a patriarchal society. They would advocate for men also taking responsibility for performing household chores. Equity feminists would approach this issue by agreeing that there should be an equal share of the domestic duties between men and women. Both parties should equally share tasks. Equity feminism and the utilitarianism moral viewpoint relate with this feminist ethical issue because they both advocate for the benefit of the involved parties. Hard Mill (1863) acknowledges that utilitarianism advocates for an action to promote the maximum good. Equality of domestic chores will ensure fairness between both men and women. 

Feminist ethics play a role in understanding the human situation and contribute to living an ethical life. Feminists bring to our attention the patriarchal society and the effects it brings forth to the other gender especially the female gender. It helps us realize the impact of inequality and the benefits of promoting gender equality. It helps us know that it is morally wrong to discriminate someone or make an opportunity inaccessible to someone because of their sexes. Feminist ethics have contributed to living an ethical life because it influences us to make positive choices for ourselves and society at large. However, there are those feminists that have shaped some women to feel more superior to men and further conflict between men and women. 

Bock, G., & James, S. (Eds.). (2005). Beyond equality and difference: citizenship, feminist politics and female subjectivity. Routledge.

Hard Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son and Bourn.in, S. G. (1986). The science question in feminism. Cornell University Press.

Pollock, G. (2003). Vision and difference: Feminism, femininity and the histories of art. Psychology Press.

Harding, Sandra. (1986). The Science Question in Feminism. 

Rosenstand, Nina. The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018

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Steven Harris 

Week 4 Q3

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There are many differences and similarities in the different theories of feminism. One difference between classical and difference feminism is how biological distinctions play a role. Classical feminism would claim the evidence is not conclusive in providing good and relative information and should be discarded when discussing discrimination. Difference feminism acknowledges that biological differences is a factor, but masks it as “fundamental differences” and argue its true influence on gender equality. Radical feminism is the continued pursuit of questioning what the actual pillars of gender discrimination are and how it can be influenced to better the position of what they interpret as equality. Equity feminism is the most unlike the other theories as it is the claim that gender discrimination is no longer a variable in today’s society, but an issue already successfully resolved. They all are similar, except equity feminism, in the chasing of what they consider to be gender equality.

            In the many discussions I’ve had on this topic and based off those experiences I would presume that classical feminism is in fact the most relevant in today’s society. I admire radical feminism to a degree and wished more conversations I had revolved similarly to this type of thought, but it typically has not. I find that in these debates more often than not data reflecting biological differences is often discarded or shunned. That data regarding bio differences is simply just provocative in nature and therefore discriminatory. For example, Jordan Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist, and highly controversial speaker on these subjects suggests through captured data that women are commonly more “agreeable” in nature. In a discussion the classical feminist theory would reject this data and might consider it a generalization. Though one example of many on how men and women may be different it wouldn’t matter according to this theory. This is why I admire the principle of radical feminism because it asks the question “WHY.” I ask in return WHY biological differences are inapplicable in the exploring of gender discrimination. Just because there are differences does not mean equal opportunity is not an absolute necessity between men and women. It is simply a factor to be recognized.

            One example that I relate to very closely based off experience is acceptance of female counterparts as front line troops. First, I want to be clear that I believe whole heartedly some women are more than capable of being effective troops in and out of combat. Regardless, classical feminism may approach this scenario that standards have been placed in favor of men to dominate this role. Radical feminism may argue that the consequences of allowing women into the infantry doesn’t necessarily matter, but that they should have the ability to pursue that role to relinquish a type of male dominance.  I now refer to consequentialism in the sense that would the acceptance of women into the front lines be in the mind of the greater good, or simply to satisfy a different motivation. In addition, in the satisfaction of this motive does it really even fuel the ultimate goal of eliminating gender discrimination?

            Feminist ethics have great ideas that contribute to pursuing an ethical life. I am a huge fan of equal opportunity amongst men and women. Data has shown that men and woman have the same level of intelligence. This information should be more than enough to eliminate old ways of thinking within the last fifty years. I also believe that it has already had a huge impact as things have advanced in our society. There is no doubt in my mind that now is the greatest time for men and women coexisting with equal opportunity compared to the past.

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