Feminism

Feminism is a range of socio-political movements and ideologies that aim to establish the political, economic, personal and social equality of the sexes. It holds that modern societies are patriarchal, prioritizing the male point of view, and that women are treated unjustly within them, and it works against gender stereotypes and traditional gender roles while seeking better educational, professional and interpersonal opportunities for women. Originating in late eighteenth-century Europe, feminist movements have campaigned for the right to vote, run for office, work, earn equal pay, own property, receive an education, enter contracts and take maternity leave, and have supported access to contraception and legal abortion and protection from sexual and domestic violence. Many scholars credit feminist campaigns with major changes in women's rights, especially in the West. Feminist theory emerged from the movements and examines gender inequality across many disciplines. Many strands have developed, from first-wave liberal feminism seeking political and legal equality within liberal democratic frameworks onward, representing different viewpoints and political aims. It is filed beside the liberal tradition because its first wave was liberal in outlook, but it also has socialist, radical and other strands, so the placement is a convenience rather than a claim of liberal ownership.