The belief in the equality of women and men has a long history. However, until the first wave of feminism in the 19th century, there was little to no public support for people who opposed discrimination and fought for equal rights (Hooks, 2014). Less than two centuries ago, the feminist movement began, raising a public debate and addressing new challenges posed for women by society. Throughout its history, feminism evolved and split into revolutionary and reformist branches. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the difference between radical and reform feminists, as well as analyze which label better applies to Angela Davis, a contemporary feminist.
The Difference Between Radical Feminists and Reform Feminists
Feminists have faced numerous challenges throughout history, and different groups addressed the need for societal change with their own approaches. To begin with, it is necessary to define the difference between radical or revolutionary feminism and reform feminism. Each new wave expanded the definition of this concept and recognized more people who needed support. In other words, as feminism evolves, it addresses contemporary issues and implements relevant approaches. At the same time, feminists often draw from both categories rather than remain within radical or reform feminism.
Radical Feminists
Radical feminism revolves around the idea that the world is dominated by men, which defines the need for societal change and the abolishment of patriarchy. Therefore, radical feminists believe that male supremacy and gender oppression create limitations for women in such fields as education, work, healthcare, public and private life, and others. During the history of radical feminism, traditional concepts created by men about women were challenged. In this regard, one of the main beliefs is that personal problems experienced by females, such as domestic violence, abuse, rape, or discrimination, are caused by a larger system that supports institutional inequality. Furthermore, beauty and fashion standards, reproductive rights, and nuclear family ideals are also viewed as oppressive forms of male supremacy.
Reform Feminists
In turn, reform feminism is based on the idea that gender inequality must be fought by providing women with equal rights to men. This category is also called mainstream or liberal feminism because of its focus on the freedom of choice and commitment to liberal democracy. Similar to radical feminists, reform feminists believe that the difference between sexes and genders is based on socially constructed norms and behaviors. However, this category aims to achieve gender equality through legal, political, educational, and other reforms. It emphasizes the importance of personal choice, individualism, and the equality of opportunities for women and men. Liberal feminism recognizes diversity and supports that everyone can choose their lifestyle without being judged for it.
To achieve this scenario, reform feminists are more moderate in their methods, as compared to radical feminists who believe that an overthrow of the whole system is needed. While both categories fight for women’s rights, their approaches to the solution of the problem differ. In other words, the goal of liberal feminism is to make gradual changes within the existing system at the institutional and governmental levels to achieve equality. The primary objective of radical feminism is to restructure society and eliminate oppressive institutions that affect women’s lives and rights.
Angela Davis
Angela Davis is a political activist, author, and radical feminist who discusses gender, race, and class in her books. In particular, she emphasizes that the concept of gender inequality involves racial and economic disparities (Davis, 2011). They all are connected, which complicates the problem and expands the debate. Therefore, people must address the ideas of feminism while considering other inequalities that exist in society and understanding their consequences. For example, the first wave of feminism that focused on suffrage and was mostly liberal did not recognize black suffragettes and their rights (Davis, 2011). Therefore, even though first reform feminists became active as they were inspired by the anti-slavery movement, they ignored the connection between racial, economic, and gender inequalities that are created by white supremacy in the patriarchal society.
Therefore, Angela Davis is more radical than reformist because she views the inequality problem at a more global level and believes in the need for fundamental structural changes in society. As Davis (2011) wrote in her book, people need to understand the root of female oppression because “after all, radical simply means “grasping things at the root”” (p. 14). Furthermore, I think that she is more radical as she opposes capitalism which is one of the concepts central to liberal feminism with its focus on freedom and individualism.
To conclude, liberal and radical feminism are two branches that support women’s rights with different approaches. Radical feminists aim to eliminate patriarchy and the institutions that control women and violate their fundamental rights. In turn, reform feminists implement gradual changes through legal, political, educational, and other reforms to make women equal to men in their rights. Angela Davis is one of the contemporary radical feminists who have contributed to the debate on gender, race, sexuality, class, and equality.
References
Davis, A. Y. (2011). Women, culture, & politics. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Hooks, B. (2014). Feminism is for everybody: Passionate politics (2nd ed.). Routledge.