Feminism Basics for Christians

No,no it does not. Maybe it's time for a quick lesson on what feminism actually means.

 Over the past couple of years I have been doing some deeper study and reflection into my core beliefs. In one area in particular I have often struggled with a certain level of what felt like cognitive dissonance. I was under the impression that feminism and Christianity were mutually exclusive. In certain circles feminism was the filthy "f" word. Feminists do not strive for equality, but for power. They want to replace patriarchy with matriarchy. I didn't know anyone to call themselves a feminist, but was told I didn't need to because their actions spoke louder than their words. This is fair. Actions do indeed speak louder than words. Yet, I started to learn that much of the disapproval for feminists comes from straw man arguments and a limited portrayal of what is indeed a positive movement. 

Additionally, I have had friends tell me that they won't read "Jesus Feminist" by Sarah Bessey because of the title. Other's wish she had chosen a different title altogether, noting the uplifting message of the book. In the end, a positive movement has been so badly maligned, that we may be left to wonder if it can be salvaged? Should we dump the name altogether and call it something else? To this I say, a rose by any other name smells as sweet.   

So here, I want to briefly summarize what feminism is, is not, and why I chose to identify with such a hotly contested and controversial label.      

First, a simple definition of feminism from Webster dictionary which was first termed in 1895: 

1. The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes 

2. Organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

A couple contentions may come to mind with this definition. The first being that this definition is much too broad, and feminists go much further than equality. The second thought might be that if we really are working towards equality, why only focus on organizing on behalf of women? Doesn't this negate the first definition? 

As with any wide reaching and diverse group, there are differing points of view falling somewhere on a spectrum. Just as neither Rob Bell and the emergent church, nor Bill Gothard and IBLP represent all Christians. Though both men call themselves Christians, we may take umbrage when they are used as representatives of our faith. So, some feminist hold viewpoints that are in stark contrast to my own. I would also note, that most representations of feminism or feminist that I hear are the straw man creations of divisive pundits, and the anti-feminist movement.  

To the second point, many of the same systems that hurt women, also hurt men. There is an intersectionality to feminism. We aim to look into the various systems and reach across divides. It is these same systems that assume boys and men incapable of empathy, incapable of personal control, and incapable of emotional depth*. 

You may ask, again if working towards equality is the aim, why call yourself a feminist? It should be noted that in the major hurdles and atrocities all around the globe women tend to suffer the most. Take poverty just in the US as an example, 14.5 percent of women are in poverty compared to 11.0 percent of men.**  Poverty effects people's access to healthcare, education, nutritious foods, and self-sufficiency. It is the difference between surviving and thriving.

According to UN-Habitat, "Poverty has increased, and for women in slums, poverty and a lack of social safety nets mean a life of physical and psychological insecurity. Even for women in the developed world, life has become increasingly insecure, with homelessness looming at the dark edges of the gaps in social services."   

With acid attacks, genital mutilation, sex-trafficking, child brides, honor killings, domestic violence, rape and brutality occurring all across the world, I find it imperative to advocate for woman as the focus of equality. This is why feminism works particularly on behalf of women and girls (but not against, or to the detriment, of boys or men). 

The Girl Effect puts it well; 

1. GIRLS ARE AGENTS OF CHANGE

They play a crucial role in solving the most persistent development problems facing the world today. By investing in their economic potential through education and by delaying child marriage and teen pregnancy, issues such as HIV and AIDS can be resolved and the cycle of poverty can be broken. To learn how a girl's success is the world's success, watch the girl effect films above.--> (http://www.girleffect.org/why-girls/#&panel1-1)

2. PEOPLE ASSUME GIRLS ARE BEING REACHED

They're not. The reality is that children's programmes focus on 0-5 year-olds, youth programmes tend to focus on males and older groups, and women's programmes don't typically capture adolescent girls. Programmes that do reach girls rarely address the ones most at risk. To break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, programmes must be designed for, and measure the impact on, girls. 

3. THE COST OF EXCLUDING GIRLS IS HIGH

In India, adolescent pregnancy results in nearly $10billion in lost potential income. In Uganda, 85 per cent of girls leave school early, resulting in $10billion in lost potential earnings. By delaying child marriage and early birth for one million girls, Bangladesh could potentially add $69billion to the national income over these girls' lifetimes.

Can you work towards these goals and not call yourself a feminist? Absolutely! Though the identification demonstrates that I stand in support of these programs, and am actively working to affirm the dignity and humanity of women and girls. To me, feminism is an action verb. It incorporates a sense of urgency in advocacy and policy building to protect girls. 

It is in no way a men bashing club of bitter women. It is a "Hey! I see a terrible problem harming a large swath of people in a number of ways. I can and will do something about it. I will participate in the solution!" So when I call myself a feminist, or you hear of feminism, please realize that this is the crux; the heart of the movement. 

Next time I will discuss how this differs from and relates to Christian Egalitarianism (of which I also identify). :)

Footnotes:

*men who suffer from depression or mental illness are less likely to seek help, fearing the appearance of weakness. This leads to greater feelings of vulnerability, self-doubt and hatred, and suicide. "Traditionally society demands that men emulate a Marlboro man ideal--tough, independent and unemotional--that just isn't compatible with therapy." --http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun05/helping.aspx

Men are told time and time again that they just can't help themselves when women dress in a way deemed proactive. That they are irrational brutes.http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nolongerquivering/2012/02/how-the-modesty-doctrine-hurts-men-too/

**Stats on poverty taken from: http://www.nwlc.org/our-issues/poverty-%2526-income-support/data-on-poverty-%2526-income