Individualist feminism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Part of the series on Feminism |
Subtypes Topics Waves of American Feminism Lists |
Individualist feminism is a blanket term for different forms of individualist feminist ideas. This take on feminism was originally expressed in anti-capitalist publications such as Liberty, and by individualists highly critical of capitalism such as Voltairine de Cleyre and Ezra Heywood.[1] However, today it is often associated with a minarchist or even anarcho-capitalist perspective, due in large part to the prominent advocacy of Wendy McElroy.[citation needed] However, another approach to individualist feminism, with views often different than McElroy and Young, is promoted by the Association of Libertarian Feminists,which was founded in 1976 by Toni Nathan, the first and so far only woman to receive an electoral vote (from Republican Elector Roger McBride, as the vice-presidential candidate of the Libertarian Party in 1972). The primary individualist feminists who have promoted this point of view have been Joan Kennedy Taylor and Sharon Presley. A book which discusses the history of individualist feminism is Reclaiming the Mainstream: Individualist Feminism Rediscovered by Joan Kennedy Taylor
A core principle of individualist feminism is that all human beings have a moral and / or legal claim to their own persons and property, not to any sort of affirmative action policies or privileges.[citation needed] In most parts of Europe it is viewed as postmodern feminism because of its pluralistic view of female nature.[citation needed] While other schools often stress that women in general are living under similar circumstances, individualist feminists stress that all women are unique and have unique goals.[citation needed]
Contents |
[edit] Individualist feminism contra other feminisms
Some individualist feminists have applied the label gender feminism to describe feminists they see as holding that an animosity exists between genders and calling for statist measures to intervene in gender relations.[citation needed] Thus individualist feminism is distinct from both mainstream and radical feminist movements.
In their rhetoric, individualist feminists emphasize individual empowerment, responsibility, and in the legal/political realm, equality of rights.
[edit] See also
- Dora Marsden
- Wendy McElroy
- Carol Moore
- Ezra Heywood
- Cathy Young
- Sharon Presley
- Methodological individualism
[edit] References
- ^ Margaret S. Marsh (February 1981). Anarchist Women, 1870-1920. Temple University Press. ISBN 0-87722-202-9.
[edit] External links
- iFeminists
- Association of Libertarian Feminists
- Women's Freedom Network
- Uncivil Liberty: An Essay to Show the Injustice and Impolicy of Ruling Woman Without Her Consent (1873) by Ezra Heywood one of first individualist feminist essays, by Ezra Heywood
- Dora Marsden and The New Freewoman archives
- Dora Marsden - "Stirner of Feminism ?"
- Free On-Line Books Includes Individualist Feminist titles
- Voltairine de Cleyre: The Exquisite Rebel
- "Feminism in Liberty"
- Pro Choice Libertarians
- Libertarianism to a New Generation of Women
- Libertarian Feminism: Can This Marriage Be Saved?