Radical Feminism: Origins, Development, and Societal Influences

This essay provides an overview of radical feminism, a branch of feminism that emerged in the 1960s, significantly influenced by the civil rights movement. Radical feminists view patriarchy as the root cause of women's oppression and aim to dismantle it to achieve gender equality. The essay explores the historical context of radical feminism, its key concepts, and its evolution, including the contributions of prominent figures. It discusses the movement's impact on issues like abortion rights, equal pay, and the sexual revolution, as well as its stance on transgender rights and gender-neutral inclusivity. The essay highlights the positive changes brought about by radical feminism in raising awareness and advocating for social justice, while also acknowledging the criticisms of its militant approach.

Radical feminism is unapologetic and militant in its view. Radical feminists blame
patriarchy for marginalization, oppression and domination of women. Radical feminism aims to
overthrow the patriarchal concept and establish gender equality (Mackay, 2015).
Radical feminism evolved around 1960s, civil rights movement contributed to its growth
significantly. They had a militant approach and wanted a reordering of society where there was
no concept of male supremacy in any position of power. A philosophy in rebellion against the
existing patriarchal notion that had segregated women as inferior beings and deprived them of
basic rights. Radical feminism claimed equal rights and opportunities for women. They believed
patriarchy continued to use women and non-dominant men to benefit themselves. Access to
education and jobs gave women more control of their lives and led to the realization that every
field including political, social movements such as Marxism, New left all were male dominated.
Rising consciousness and political awareness created an atmosphere of urgency that led women
to protest against the discrimination, neglect and objectification. Radical feminists such as
Shulamith Firestone, Kathie Sarachild, Judith Brown and others helped to raise their voice
against racial discrimination and oppression (King, 2015). Radical feminists wanted to unify all
women under one banner irrespective of race and color. Initially, women of color found it
difficult to express their viewpoint in a society that ostracized them, coming from a working
class background made their situation more difficult. However, it was not long that they too took
to the streets to protest.
Radical feminism was a new wave that was born in the United States and slowly spread
around the globe. The movement helped women advocate various women issue namely, abortion
rights, the Equal Rights Amendment, access to credit and equal pay (Mackay, 2015). The radical

feminists united women, intellectuals and working class alike and provided them with a platform
to talk about their experiences.
The sexual revolution in the 1960s was curtsey to radical feminism; it objected the pre-
existing sex roles in various social concept of marriage, family, prostitution and heterosexuality.
Radical feminist challenged the heterosexual concept, reduced importance on monogamy and
championed lesbianism. Radical feminists voiced women sexuality for the first time and
explored eroticism through women’s point of view. Women were claiming their sexual freedom
that always had a male prerogative. Economic coercion is one the major reasons that force
women into prostitution and pornography (Ward & Wylie, 2017). The debate on trans women
has the radical feminists dived in two groups. One that believes, trans woman cannot be treated
as woman since they subscribe to a general notion of what female is. Whereas, the trans inclusive
feminists argue that a person who identifies themselves as a woman is a woman irrelevant of
their gender (Elliot, 2016).
Radical feminism wants to eliminate gender-based roles and promotes inclusivity. For
instance, the gender-segregated bathrooms pose a problem especially to the transgender group
who identify with both or neither of the group. Radical feminist advocate gender neutral or
gender inclusiveness that is important concept today. Vermont has introduced gender-neutral
bathroom that helps this cause significantly. In conclusion, radical feminism has brought about
many positive changes, awareness and advocated social justice. Even though radical feminism
has garnered negative responses for its radical militant approach, it was necessary to break the
patriarchal notions.

Reference
Elliot, P. (2016). Debates in transgender, queer, and feminist theory: Contested sites. Routledge.
King, Y. (2015). Feminism and the Revolt of Nature. Thinking About the Environment:
Readings on Politics, Property and the Physical World: Readings on Politics, Property
and the Physical World, 179.
Mackay, F. (2015). Radical feminism: Feminist activism in movement. Springer.
Ward, E., & Wylie, G. (Eds.). (2017). Feminism, prostitution and the state: The politics of neo-
abolitionism. Taylor & Francis