feminism and the chaos of labels

We’re in such a crazy time of labels in flux aren’t we? Evangelical, Post Modern, Egalitarian, Feminist, Christian, Emergent, emerging, missional, liberal, conservative, fundamentalist…and on and on it goes. All of these terms are from an era that is moving into another era and have been corrupted by time and humans inserting their own motives and ideas. Many of us are dropping labels we currently embraced as defining us and many of us are holding on to labels in spite of the fact that they no longer define us completely because we lack any other way to identify the core of our passions.

I hear from people a lot how they don’t like labels. I can appreciate and even identify with that sentiment but the fact is, sociologically, we can’t really function without labels, without categories…it’s how we identify with one another and even part of how we view ourselves. Even those who refuse to be labeled are being labeled in their refusal…as people who refuse to be labeled *smirk*.

One thing to keep in mind is that labels are self identifiers, they’re really not intended for us to place on others - they’re for others to place on themselves. In other words, they’re not supposed to be used as a way to judge others or put others in a box based on OUR understanding of that label.

Geoff asked about “Christian feminism” or the more broader title of “feminist”. What is it? What does it mean? and embedded in those questions is that of whether or not it still has meaning in our current culture.

For me, feminism is one of those labels I continue to hold onto because my understanding of it and experiences with it still speak to my passions about gender issues that still exist today. I’m a “Christian feminist” simply because I’m a Christian and a feminist. *clever eh?* The deeper implications of being a Christian and a feminist are pretty subtle but important in my way of thinking. Believing in a Divine Creator who created us to be male and female affects how I live out “feminism” in a way that is unique from a purely secular feminism (not necessarily better, just different).

Dictionary.com Unabridged
fem·i·nism /ˈfɛməˌnɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fem-uh-niz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.
3. feminine character.

And from Wikipedia

Feminism comprises a number of social, cultural and political movements, theories and moral philosophies concerned with gender inequalities and discrimination against women. Feminism is also described as an ideology focusing on equality of the sexes.[1] Some feminists, like Judith Butler, have argued that gendered and sexed identities, such as “man” and “woman”, are social constructs.[2]

According to some, the history of feminism consists of three waves.[3][4] The first wave in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the second in the 1960s and 1970s and the third from the 1990s to the present.[5] Feminist Theory developed from the feminist movement.[6][7]

I’m too young to really have experienced the feminism that is associated with the social and political movement of the 60s. My mother wasn’t a radical feminist nor do I have any friends who were. This is probably why I don’t have the baggage that many women have associated with the term.

It’s also important to remember that the feminism of which we speak is generally that of white, middle-upper class American and European women. There are many alternative feminisms that have thrived and continue to thrive all over the world. These feminist movements speak to their cultural context and take on a very different look and action. Just like it’s important for Christians when discussing missiology to be sensitive to the fact that we bring our culture with us, it’s important for feminists to realize that one woman’s idea of gender oppression in America, might not be shared by a woman in Africa, South America or any Third World nation. This makes the issue increasingly complex of course, but it’s important to factor in…and in all fairness, I think many American and European feminists have failed in realizing this.

Back to why I still call myself a feminist. Doing so quickly allows me to identify with other women for whom social, political and other rights for women is an important fight. In my social context, it also allows me to separate myself from those in Christianity who hold more “conservative” or “fundamentalist” ideas about gender roles and women’s rights. This is important for me to do because I live a life fully engaged with those outside my chosen faith and belief systems. If I am engaging with fellow Christians for whom “feminism” is offensive, I generally refrain from using that label because it puts up unhelpful walls but for the most part, I find it a helpful way to connect with women.

I know that there are women who call themselves feminists who are basically just man haters but in my experience, it’s not the majority and it’s not enough of a reason for me to abandon the label.

As for what role feminism plays in our society today? Well, since there are still many hurdles for women, glass ceilings, lower pay and an overall attitude of objectification and subjugation in many sectors, I feel it’s as important today as it ever was. In fact, I think it’s an important movement to revitalize in a healthy way for the very reason that there have been abuses and pendulum swings.

Feminism was far from ideal. Women throughout history have missed the mark in their attempts to gain equality and even the most basic of human rights but they were doing the best they could and for that, I’m thankful!

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4. happy anniversary! There are quite a few “not necessarily church related” passions...
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