Examining Postmodern Feminism's Correction of Modernism's Errors

This essay examines the role of postmodern feminism in addressing and potentially correcting the perceived follies of modern feminism. It begins by outlining the key issues raised by modern feminism, such as institutionalized discrimination and the glass ceiling, and critiques the movement's focus on achieving equality by emulating male roles. The essay contrasts this with postmodern feminism's emphasis on valuing the differences between genders and recognizing the importance of both working women and homemakers. It highlights postmodern feminism's appreciation for the unique contributions of women, particularly in caregiving roles, and advocates for a societal approach that respects and supports the diverse roles of both men and women. The analysis draws upon historical context and literary examples to illustrate the evolving perspectives on gender roles and the ongoing dialogue within feminist thought. Desklib offers similar essays and study resources for students.

Postmodern feminism can correct the follies of the modernism or not
The term feminism was tossed up by some socially aware women in the 80's. It became a
flagship expedition for the emancipated female population of the world in the '90s. There
were two important issues that they raised under the flagship of feminism. The first issue was
of "institutionalize discrimination" against the women. For instance, a society following a
patriarchal family structure explains that institutionalized discrimination is present in society.
The second issue was connected with the glass ceiling. Under this concept, the feministic
voices raised slogans against all the restrictions over the working women (Saad, 2010).
During that period of time, many organizations were not keen on awarding responsible posts
to the women because of their shorter career span. In his essay published in the Atlantic
monthly in 1996, author Stephen L Carter mentioned about a manager who was holding this
strong belief that women are less intelligent then men and this is why they should be given
less important roles in the working regimes (Carter, 1996 ). This example gives us an idea
about the glass ceiling. Both these issues make great sense in a society where women are
always under tremendous pressure because of the stereotyping of the roles for them.
It is expected from them that they should pursue a career choice as a hobby or a short-term
stint because in the end they are required to settle down in the house and take the
responsibilities of the kids. Feminism as an expedition started well, however, this movement
fizzled out when they started using this term with an intention to win equal rights for the
women. The undertone associated with the expedition took a different twist when they
started promoting it as a means to win a new and equal status in the society alongside the
males while stepping into the shoes of men.
It was a wrong notion; women were always equal to the males in the society. For instance,
the previous social structures always acknowledged their roles in society with respect.

Nevertheless, I worked willingly under his eyes, and with a feeling of pride. One time a feed
salesman came down into the pens to talk to him and my father said, "Like to have you meet
my new hired hand." I turned away and raked furiously, red in the face with pleasure (Munro,
1964). This extract from the story “Boys and Girls” written by Alice Munro, tells us about the
gender roles, the father of the girl introduced her to a stranger without any gender bias. The
daughter also says that she was willing to work under his eyes in a farming field and doing a
job which is believed to be in the domain of males. It clearly gives us an idea that during the
60’s well before the emergence of the modern feminism our social structures were ready to
handle gender roles and the roles of the women in the bigger setups of the society.
The modern approach of feminism created a demarcation between the working women and
homemakers living in the same society (Kanazawa, 2009). A notion started floating in the
society where they started saying that working women are superior to the homemakers. It was
only at the beginning of the 21st century when the postmodern era of the feminism started, it
was the time when they started saying that saving money in household choirs is equivalent to
earning money in a commercial setup.
A quick guide to understanding the essence of post-modern world feminism
The postmodern era feminism described the glass ceiling in a different undertone. Here they
said that a male cannot offer the same amount of care to a kid as a female can do. The
thinkers acknowledged the theories where they promoted the concept that female are
genetically designed to take care of the kids and families. Most importantly they started
putting a price tag on the efforts that homemakers are making inside the house in order to
give good care to the kids and elderly people of the family.
The postmodernism theories of feminism say that both male and female are different in
approach and temperament. The society should respect this difference between the genders.

Both the genders are playing an important role in weaving the social structure. Instead of
bringing them at par with each other, the social thinker should come up with some thought
patterns that can help both males and females work in tandem while playing their respective
roles for the society.
Bibliography
Carter, S. L. (1996 ). Ste. The Atlantic Monthly, PP 75.
Kanazawa, S. (2009). Where Feminists Have Gone Wrong. The Psychology Today,
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-scientific-fundamentalist/200907/
where-feminists-have-gone-wrong.
Munro, A. (Director). (1964). Boys and Girls [Motion Picture].
Saad, G. (2010). The Pros and Cons of Feminism. The Psychology Today,
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/homo-consumericus/200908/the-pros-and-
cons-feminism.