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In Heidi’s guest post, An Awakening, she proudly identified herself as a feminist but told us that her husband won’t wear the label of feminist in spite of agreeing with feminist ideals. How do you feel about calling yourself a feminist? Are women more likely than men to self-identify as feminists?
[polldaddy poll=5550373]
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Exponent II provides feminist forums for women and gender minorities across the Mormon spectrum to share their diverse life experiences in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance. Through these exchanges, we strive to create a community to better understand and support each other.
6 Responses
In thinking about gender studies, it would also be useful to include an option for an answer for those who don’t identify as either male or female.
I’m a female and I identify as a feminist.
HOWEVER, it’s my dream to be a stay-at-home mom and wife. I really just want to be June Cleaver. I want to dedicate my life to taking care of my family and my home. I also often disagree with LDS feminist notions (I don’t want the priesthood!).
It’s a little complicated, I’ve written essays and such about it before, but it works for me. And I think that’s what matters on an individual basis.
I didn’t vote b/c I don’t fit any of the categories. I am female and identify as a “moderate feminist”. I generally agree w/ feminists, but I don’t always agree with the thinking in feminist circles. I suppose I’m also uncomfortable w/ the image that is evoked by calling oneself a “feminist”, so I connsider myself a “moderate feminist”.
I’m not great at articulating my thoughts, so please bear with me as I try to do so here…
Mention the word “feminist” and many people conjure up an image of a business suit-clad woman who makes her own rules and can be unapologetically rude when she so desires. We envision a woman who is willing to literally fight for what she wants.
I’ve not met anyone who thinks of a feminist as a housewife, mother, homeschool teacher, or nurturer.
If we are honest, many of us will say that we are a little afraid of feminists. 🙂
Why is that?
Is it because deep down we know that women are created to be kind and nurturing? Because women were designed to create? Because women were designed to be strong and to be gentle at the same time?
Why do we think of housewives as drones…as women who are largely unfulfilled? Why do feminists look upon these women with a balance of pity and disdain?
Could a woman who homeschools her children not be every bit as strong and driven as a feminist…without also understanding her divine role as a woman?
Could the mother of young children who adores her husband and finds joy in creating a warm home for her family not also be a woman who knows that she is valued far more than rubies?
Could the housewife who volunteers in the community while her children are away during the day not also be a woman who has found her voice without “brow-beating” the men around her?
Could the woman who has never married still feel a place in a largely family-oriented society without relinquishing her identity as a daughter of God?
In my opinion any woman who has a successful marriage knows that there is great power in being a woman. She knows that she is a companion to her husband, and she understands that she is on a level playing field when it comes to marriage. She understands that by divine design she is to be the organizing and driving force behind her family. She understands and accepts that her husband is fulfilling his divine design by providing for and protecting their family and she is satisfied with their individualized roles.
If I had to choose between running a multi-million dollar company or raising good kids…I’d choose the kids. 🙂
If I can’t be happy with God’s plan for me…then I’m in trouble…
Jill, I think it’s great that you have clear notion of your purpose in life. In your comment you mentioned, “I’ve not met anyone who thinks of a feminist as a housewife, mother, homeschool teacher, or nurturer.” However, I have come across many women who would fit into those categorizes and who define themselves as feminists. Housewives, mothers, homeschool teachers, or nurturers, easily fit into my paradigm of feminism.
I would like to discuss how I define my own “brand” of feminism. I believe men and women are different in many ways, but are also similar in many ways. Ultimately, I believe we are all individuals with different needs, desires, talents, struggles, and circumstances. I believe in a nuanced view of humanity. Yes, biology is important, but it is not destiny. There exists divine attributes that both sexes are given and may obtain. I look to Christ as an example of this.
Christ embodied traits and fulfilled roles that many today would consider “feminine”. Christ was a nurturer, a teacher, and a peacemaker. He promoted love and charity. I do not believe women hold a monopoly on these Christ-like attributes. On the other hand, Christ demonstrated characteristically “masculine” traits. He demonstrated tremendous strength of will and intellect. He did not shy away from using force when necessary to expel the money lenders from the temple. I have always been taught that Christ is our greatest exemplar. I believe women and men are naturally inclined to the attributes I listed, but that these attributes can also developed as we try to become more like Christ.
Feminism, to me, is about recognizing these things. I do not believe that the loving God I was taught about in Church would be completely ignorant of the righteous desires and needs of His children. As a feminist, I believe each person and each family unit has an ideal path, but this ideal path is not necessarily universal. As a feminist, I believe in agency. I believe that individuals should be able decide how to best live their own lives without reproach. I believe we have a duty to support and uplift one another.
I am a feminist, and that is what I believe to be true.
A few corrections:
categories, not categorizes
Housewives, mothers, homeschool teachers, or nurturers, CAN easily fit into my paradigm of feminism.
these attributes can also BE developed
I hate typos . . . and I’m sure there are more . . . Sorry about that.