What is Radical Feminism?
Radical feminism states that the defining feature of women’s oppression is the societies sexist and capitalist hierarchy.
The movement believes that only the eradication of our patriarchy society will give women true equality.
The radical identifies that the only way to rid society of patriarchy is to attack the causes of the problems and also to address the fundamental components of society that support them.
The radical feminists ideology is, “A male-based authority and power structure and that it is responsible for oppression and equality, and that as long as the system and its values are in place, and society will not be able to be reformed in any significant way.”
The feminist identified other oppression that is apparent in a patriarchal society. The oppression is also based on gender identity, race, and social class, perceived attractiveness, sexual orientation and ability.
The radicals theory of patriarchy recognises the key element is a relationship of dominance and exploits others for their own benefit.
The use of this oppression is a social system that includes other methods that are incorporated to suppress women and non-dominate men.
In 1984 Ellen Willis wrote, “That radical feminism got sexual politics recognised as a public issue. They sparked the drive to legalize abortion and were the first to demand total equality in the so-called private sphere.”
The private sphere consisted of equality in sexual and emotional needs, childcare and housework.
Another form of radical feminism is the separatist; they do not support heterosexual relationships. They believe that sexual disparities between the sexes make it impossible to resolve the main issues in society.
The separatist feminist purports that men are a hindrance to the feminist movement as they “replicate patriarchal dynamics.”
Marilyn Frye a writer on radical feminism purports, “Separatist feminism is separation of various sorts or modes from men and from institutions, relationships, roles and activities that are male defined.
“Also being male dominated and operating for the benefit of males and the maintenance of male privilege – this separation being initiated or maintained, at will, by women.”