The Dianic path and feminism

[Philosophia]

Since there is a strong connection between them, I was wondering how you define feminism in relation to your spirituality? Is there a connection? Do you identify as a feminist? Or do you think they should be kept separate?

[Snapdragon]

Glad to see this topic; thanks for creating it.

As always, my initial and primary concern is for definition: that there be an attempt made to define what 'feminism' means, and that its meaning and real-life expression be kept in mind as we explore the subject.

One of the things that makes this term challenging is that some of the people who apply it to themselves discount or try to exclude other self-defined feminists. I am thinking as an example of Camille Paglia, who has been described as "anti-feminist" or "not a feminist" by some other prominent feminist-labeled women.

Sometimes the definitions are really just rhetorical gestures, e.g., "The theory that a woman should be treated as a human being." That tells us precisely nothing about feminism (nor is it intended to), though it's emotionally satisfying to some.

One thing to keep in mind is that organized efforts for women's suffrage included prominent women who were adamantly opposed to abortion; that at various times women's role as mothers has been touted as central to their liberation or as incidental...or, as Shulamith Firestone has it, an example of physiological oppression; and that feminists have included separatists, revolutionaries, and elected national political figures. The range of views is truly broad, and that is especially the case if you examine the history of "the women's movement" in this country (the US).

So, while this does not exactly help define 'feminism,' as a start it makes clear that it does not rule out diversity of viewpoints.

In order to avoid writing too long a post, I'll conclude by offering a brief definition, in the hope that it will serve to further the ongoing conversation:

Feminism is a political, cultural, and social critique that adopts as its abiding concern the existing conditions and future prospects of women.

[EvieLee]

I would call myself a feminist in the sense that I believe in things like equal pay and career opportunities for men and women, a woman's right to freedom of choice (whether that choice is about having an abortion, being a stay at home Mum or serving on "the front line"), paternity leave for new fathers, etc. To me Feminism is about equality, not supremecy. I don't believe that the female sex needs to be elevated above the male to undo all the horrible wrongs of patriarchy, blah blah blah.

But it doesn't really come into my being a Dianic. I'm not a radical or an activist and don't believe that these things have anything to do with my religion. Of course, to me one's political attitudes can and often do influence everyday behaviour and religious beliefs, but that they don't directly translate. ie as I said before, I'm pro-choice in the abortion issue, but would never dream of having an abortion no matter the circumstances because of my religious beliefs. They're related, but not necessarily exclusive for me.

[Mithrea]

Since there is a strong connection between them, I was wondering how you define feminism in relation to your spirituality? Is there a connection? Do you identify as a feminist? Or do you think they should be kept separate?

I don't see how they can be kept separate though I have met lots of people who try, mostly out of fear of the words and the stigma attached to them, IMHO. Semantics aside, I believe Dianicism is inherently feminist and I am a pretty outspoken feminist.