Intro to our Blog

People often struggle with feminism and what it means; many people have their own opinions about what feminism means, and it is important for people to understand what the term feminism really means. Webster’s dictionary defines feminism as 1) “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes,” and 2) “Organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.” Webster’s dictionary also says the first known use of the word feminism was in the year 1895. Owen M. Fiss, a professor at Yale Law School, states: “Feminism is the set of beliefs and ideas that belong to the broad social and political movement to achieve greater equality for women” (413). Foss goes on to say, “…feminism gives shape and direction to the women’s movement and, our course, is shaped by it” (413).

There are many different ways to define feminism, but the main point of feminism is to achieve equality of the sexes. Feminism has come a long way since the women’s movement has begun and I believe that the meaning has changed and will continue to change. Today many people, both men and women, are identifying themselves as feminists and are fighting for equality of the sexes.


Fiss, Owen M. "What Is Feminism?" HeinOnline. Web. 27 Apr. 2012                                                                            <http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/arzjl26>.

  Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 27 Apr. 2012. <http://www.merriam-                    webster.com/dictionary/feminism>. 


Author: Greta B.