Male supremacy is the idea that our societies are patriarchal or male dominated and that women are suppressed and oppressed in these societies.
Radical feminism is the current movement that aims to overthrow these concepts and calls for a complete overthrow of the order of society. The main difference between radical feminism and other forms of feminism is that radical feminism works on the concept that gender differences are in place due to societies beliefs rather than because of systems and laws that are in place in society.
Where Did the Radical Feminism Movement Come From?
Radical feminism developed out of the womens liberation movement and gained real momentum in the 1960s. Many of the women who followed this movement had also protested quite radically against other forms of oppression in the past, mainly racism and discrimination. The movement started in the United States and quickly moved to other countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia.
Women who were members of the radical feminism movement gathered in consciousness raising groups, where they discovered that they shared the same struggles in a patriarchal society, regardless of their race, education or social background. This formed the basis of their belief that the issue lies with society itself, rather than laws that have been passed.
How Has the Radical Feminism Movement Been Criticized?
Radical feminists claimed that they saw similarities between women of all races and classes, but in essence most members of the movement were white middle-class. It is felt that this took away alot of their credibility. Another main criticism of the movement is that they were too radical. Most womens liberation movement sought to achieve equality in society and radical feminists were seen as seeking an overthrow of the status quo, turning patriarchal societies into matriarchal societies.
Lastly, it was also felt that radical feminism marginalized lesbian sexuality, meaning that it was not a movement that was inclusive of all women. The radical
feminism movement has been criticized as being anti-sex, with very strong views against pornography and active sex lives. They feel that pornography and a sex life that is in place for more than just procreation is in fact an oppression of women. The sexual revolution of the 1960s, which promoted free love and fewer monogamous relationships was still based almost solely on heterosexual relationships. Many lesbians felt that the radical feminism movement drew them on par with women, as a lesbian could be seen as using a womans body in the same way a man would.
Overall, it has been widely agreed that the radical feminism movement has had an important place in history and an important influence on the womens liberation movement and the increase in womens rights we are familiar with today in Western societies. However, it is felt by most that the movement was not of a political nature and would hence not have been able to change a political climate and achieve its goal of an overthrow of society. The emphasis for members of the radical feminism movement was based on personal experiences, rather than on true knowledge of politics and philosophy.
