 Feminism is a diverse collection of social theories, political movements, and moral philosophies, largely motivated by or concerning the experiences of women.

 As a social movement, feminism large focuses on limiting or eradicating gender inequality and promoting women’s rights, interest, and issues in society.

 Traditional ethics shows less concern for women’s issues and interests. It implies women are not as morally mature as men.

 Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)  Argued women are not naturally inferior to men, and only appear to be due to lack of education

 She suggests that both men and women should be treated as rational beings and imagines a social order founded on reason.  She was a radical in the sense that she desired to bridge the gap between mankind’s present circumstances and ultimate perfection.

 One of the first male feminists  Wrote The Subjection of Women  Talks about the role of women in marriage and how he felt it needed to be changed

 Mill comments on three major parts of women’s lives that he felt are hindering them: › Society and gender construction › Education › Marriage  He believed that gender construction and society in general started the domino effect of what women were to become at that time and the time to come

 Some critics find that Feminists are effectively preaching hate against males  Critics say that if you replace ‘male and female’ with ‘black and white’ it could be viewed at racist

 Some argue that because of feminism males are becoming oppressed › Those who make this claim argue that males die from suicide four times more frequently  From 1980 to the early 1990’s, 72% of suicides were white males

 When the feminist movement began, women were expected to stay at home and do household tasks  Today, women are obtaining equal jobs and doing just as much in workplace as men

 When did the idea of Feminism first begin, and who had this idea?

 What is the Feminist’s main objective? Ex: What are they trying to rid our society of

 Today, women pursue careers that once were never thought could be obtained.  Women are well educated, and are making a big impact on our competitive society.

 As mother’s, women still take on the task of caring and nurturing for a child.  A child’s primal attachment is its’ mother, and it is hard to steer a woman away from this responsibility. › Some mother’s today attend school or work full-time, and care for a child. › Their hard work and dedication should be appreciated, for our children our are future.

  517_CCOL A _CCOL A013    A 21 st Century Ethical Toolbox › By Anthony Weston (2008)