Definition

Noun: 1. A movement advocating for women's social, political, and economic equality to men. This refers to the organized campaigns and activism aimed at ending gender-based discrimination and achieving equal rights and opportunities. 2. A doctrine or theory supporting the principle of women's equality. This refers to the body of ideas and beliefs that form the intellectual foundation for the movement, analyzing gender roles and advocating for women's rights.

Usage

The word "feminism" is used to describe both the practical, activist movement and the theoretical framework behind it. It is a formal term commonly used in academic, political, and social discussions.

Examples

• The history of feminism in the 20th century includes the fight for women's suffrage.
• Her academic research focuses on the intersection of feminism and environmental justice.
• Many people misunderstand the core principle of feminism, which is equality, not superiority.

Advanced Usage

• "Second-wave feminism": Refers to the feminist movement of the 1960s-1980s, which broadened the debate from legal rights (like voting) to cultural inequalities, sexuality, family, and the workplace.
• "Intersectional feminism": A framework that analyzes how overlapping social identities (such as race, class, and sexuality) relate to systems of discrimination and privilege. It emphasizes that women's experiences are not monolithic.
• "To embrace feminism": To accept and support its principles.
  • He openly embraces feminism and advocates for gender equality in his company.

Variants and Related Words

• Feminist (noun): A person who supports or advocates for feminism.
  • She is a leading feminist writer.
• Feminist (adjective): Relating to or advocating feminism.
  • They are studying feminist theory.
• Feministic (adjective): Pertaining to feminism (less common than "feminist" as an adjective).

Synonyms

• Women's rights movement: Specifically emphasizes the activist and campaign aspect.
• Gender equality: A broader term for the goal that feminism seeks, not the movement or theory itself.
• Women's liberation: A term, often associated with the 1960s/70s movement ("women's lib"), emphasizing freedom from oppressive structures.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The personal is political": A slogan from second-wave feminism meaning that personal experiences (especially of women) are rooted in and influenced by broader political and power structures.
• "Glass ceiling": While not exclusive to feminism, this idiom for an unacknowledged barrier to advancement is frequently discussed in feminist analysis of the workplace.

Noun

1. the movement aimed at equal rights for women
2. a doctrine that advocates equal rights for women