Matt Hayes

Chapter 2: 71-93

In Chapter 2 of Rosemarie Tong's Feminist Thought, the differing viewpoints of those who support a feminist revolution are clearly presented. Therein, Tong brings to light two types of radical feminists: those who view the woman's reproductive/ maternal role as a vehicle for oppression within society (radical-libertarian), and those who view this role as a tool for empowerment (radical-cultural). By using secondary texts, Tong is able to illuminate these two groups and their accompanying differences in thought.

The radical-libertarian feminists advocate natural reproduction as a hindrance to women and their subsequent success in a patriarchal society. The time and energy involved in the reproductive/gestation process is keeping women from boldly engaging in the same facets of society so often occupied by men. According to Firestone, one of Tong's secondary sources, "no matter how much educational, legal, and political equality achieve and no matter how many women enter public industry…nothing fundamental will change for women so long as natural reproduction remains…". For Firestone, the only applicable solution for this are advances in medical technology, allowing for artificial reproduction; only then will women be freed from their reproductive obligation and the oppression that comes along with it. This group of feminists also advocates biological motherhood as a learned feature that sprang from society; from a young age, girls are taught, from societal institutions, that motherhood should be an eventual goal in life. According to radical-libertarian feminists, assertions such as "children need their mothers", "mothers need their children", and "all women need to be mothers", are simply means to create mothers; women are not born with an inherent desire to engage in reproduction/ gestation/ motherhood.

The other side of this feminist theory is upheld by radical-cultural feminists, who argue that natural reproduction/ motherhood should be revered as a tool of feminist empowerment. Instead of hoping for the day when technology will aid women in their liberation, women should embrace their reproductive ability. According to this group, the discarding of the natural reproductive process would not liberate women, but simply further their oppression; " 'it appropriates the reproductive power from women and places it in the hands of men who now control both the sperm and the reproductive technology that could make it indispensable'". Motherhood is also discussed, not as a hindrance, but as a potential for power within the home. Many women become bitter, resentful, and angry when faced with the harrowing tasks of raising one or more children. Citing from Adrienne Rich, Tong illustrates that the power of parenting as being unjustly reserved for the patriarch of the family; many mothers succumb to the ancient adage "father knows best". Tong puts forth the perils of this adage, and stresses that in order for women to feel empowered by their sense of motherhood, they must take control of the parental role; "there is a world of difference between women's deciding who, how, when, and where to mother and men's making these decisions for them".

Tong goes on to critique these views, citing the dangers of dichotomizing feminist thought, and its tendency to take a step back for the cause. She advocates an avoidance of split groups such as these and hopes for a more constructive, positive approach to the way people theorize social phenomena such as these.