Definition of Feminism

The most straightforward definition of feminism says that is a movement for social, cultural, political and economic equality of men and women. It is a campaign against gender inequalities and it strives for equal rights for women. Feminism can be also defined as the right to enough information available to every single woman so that she can make a choice to live a life which is not discriminatory and which works within the principles of social, cultural, political and economic equality and independence.

Feminism can be also defined as a global phenomenon which addresses various issues related to women across the world in a specific manner as applicable to a particular culture or society. Though the issues related to feminism may differ for different societies and culture but they are broadly tied together with the underlying philosophy of achieving equality of gender in every sphere of life. So feminism cannot be tied to any narrow definitions based on a particular class, race or religion.

Definition of feminism: Global struggle

It is in fact a global struggle for gender equality and end of gender based discriminatory practices against women. So White American Women, Black American Women, Asian Women, Latin American Women, European Women or Women from any other part of the world are united in their struggle against gender based discrimination and inequality. Though they may be working for issues specific to their cultural and social settings but they are united in the philosophy of achieving equality of women in every sphere of life.

Further we need to agree that the definition of feminism may differ for every individual based on her experience in life. Two different women may come together to campaign for feminism entirely based on their own reasons influenced by the practical experiences of their specific lives.

To understand the definition of feminism in depth we also need to study the following topics in detail so that we get a multiple perspective on feminism.

1. Feminism and Society-This includes subtopics such as the civil rights campaign, language and feminism, heterosexual relationships and feminism, culture and feminism and women’s writing which also include feminist science fiction and riot girl feminism.

2. Feminism and Political Movements.

3. Feminism and Economic Development.

4. Feminism and Science.

Feminism is also related to men in the sense that all gender based equality is in fact a balance between the male and female with the intention of liberating the individual. In that sense the definition of feminism also includes all movements and campaigns that target men and boys for gender sensitisation with a goal to end gender based discriminatory practices and achieve gender based equality.