Will Brundage

Chapter 1: 26-44

Twentieth-Century Liberal Feminist Thought (26-32)

This section provides an overview of Betty Friedan's philosophy as tracked through her writings. It begins with The Feminine Mystique (1974), where Friedan details a white, mainstream mode of thought. In The Second Stage (1981) Friedan has elaborated her ideas of "marriage, motherhood, and career" (27) into a more inclusive philosophy. She denies the ideal of a "superwoman", using this idea to start discussion of a more egalitarian society.

A key concept is that woman's liberation must be achieved alongside men's assimilation (social androgyny). The earlier Friedan writings take the stance that complete humanity is "to think and act like a man" (29). In her later writings Friedan calls for accepting and utilizing the feminine thought process. Replacing competition with cooperation was vital (30).

Androgyny is another key concept. The mixing of stereotypically male and female qualities is, in Friedan's eyes, a healthy solution in both self and society.

Contemporary Directions in Liberal Feminism (32-35)

One of the main goals of women's liberation is sexual equality (gender justice) (32). Patriarchal structure is ingrained into society. Classical liberal feminists strive for removal of discriminatory laws and policies (33), while welfare liberal feminists advocate compensation for women and social assistance (33). Friedan is used as an alternate theory: that androgyny could be used to stop discrimination.

Critiques of Liberal Feminism (35-43)

Can Women Become Like Men? Do Women Want To? Should They Want To?

1) Jean Bethke Elshtain (political theorist) criticized liberal feminism on three major points: (35)

A) The claim that women can become like men if they set their mind to it.

B) The claim that most women want to become like men.

C) The claim that all women should want to become like men, to aspire to masculine values.

Women Do Not Live By Reason and Autonomy Alone

2) Alison Jaggar argued that women thought of the self as a "male" self. Common beliefs that needed to be overcome included: (38-39)

A) Devaluation of bodily activities and functions.

B) Political solipsism (the individual is isolated and in opposition to other beings).

C) Political skepticism (there is no common answer to fundamental political questions).

Liberal Feminism as Racist, Classist, and Heterosexist

A) Liberal Feminism addresses a white, middle-class, and well-educated group of women. Lesbian/gay rights issues were often excluded.

Conclusion

Many dismiss the liberal feminism movement as a "bourgeois, white movement" (43). Even with that, it is a strong force for social change. Women have gained from their efforts, but there is much to be done.