Liberal Feminism

Liberalism began as a rejection of patriarchal political theory: the view that certain peoplethe
monarchswere inherently superior to othersthe subjectswho were to be their subordinates. In
opposition to partiarchalism, liberals advanced a belief in the natural equality and freedom of human beings
and advocated the creation of a social structure that would recognize the uniqueness of individuals and
provide them with equality of opportunity. The core values of liberalism:
the intrinsic and ultimate value of the human individual (individualism)
the value of individual autonomy, self-determination, and self-fulfillment
liberty: freedom from interference either by other individuals or by the state.
natural equality of all human beings
emphasis on equality of opportunity
equality before the law and protection of individual rights
emphasis on reason (the rational, self-determining individual)
Liberals advocate the development of social, economic, and political institutions that optimize the
autonomy of individual citizens. The fundamental problem for the liberal theorist is to devise social
institutions that will protect each individuals right to a fair share of the available resources while
simultaneously allowing him or her the maximum opportunity for autonomy and self-fulfillment. Liberals
can be divided into two subgroups:
1.
2.

Classical Liberals: focus on civil liberties such as voting rights, freedom of speech, and property
rights;
Welfare Liberals: focus on economic justice by supporting such programs as Social Security, food
stamps, Medicaid and Medicare, and low-cost housing.

Liberal feminism accepts the traditional liberal conception of human nature and the characteristic liberal
values of individual dignity, equality, autonomy and self-fulfillment. Along with these, it accepts the liberal
ideal of creating a society which maximizes individual autonomy and in which all individuals have an
equal opportunity to pursue their own interests as they perceive them. Liberal feminism emphasizes the full
implications of liberal political theory of the position of women in society, pursuing liberalism to its logical
conclusion by demanding the natural and equal rights of women.
Contemporary liberal feminism focused primarily on gender justice by working to eradicate oppressive
gender roles. They fought to eliminate legislation and social conventions that limit womens and mens
opportunities to compete for certain professions because of their gender. In order to do this, liberal
feminists supported:
affirmative action programs
equal pay
pregnancy benefits for female workers
abortion rights
maternity leaves
establishment of childcare centers
Equal Rights Amendment: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by
the United States or by any State on account of sex. (Approved by the US Congress in 1972 but
failed to get the 38 states necessary to ratify it.)
Liberal feminists believe that the treatment of women in contemporary society violates, in one way or
another, all of liberalisms political values, the values of equality, liberty, and justice. Their most frequent
complaint is that women in contemporary society suffer discrimination on the basis of sex. Certain
restrictions are placed on women as a group, without regard to their individual wishes, interests, abilities, or
merits.