Backlash Against Feminism

Presenter and Advisor Information

Monica Mocogni, Illinois Wesleyan University

Submission Type

Event

Faculty Advisor

Carole Myscofski

Expected Graduation Date

2018

Location

Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-21-2018 9:00 AM

End Date

4-21-2018 10:00 AM

Disciplines

Education

Abstract

This research examines and unpacks the underlying causes of backlash against second-wave feminism. Backlash against feminism is “one long, painful, and unremitting campaign to thwart women’s progress” (Faludi, 454) that ebbs and flows in intensity and frequency. One theory behind the occurrence of backlash is that it is a result of the fear of losing control because a lack of control results in diminished power of privileged groups over marginalized people. People in power, such as men and white people, gain power by oppressing marginalized groups, and they hold the belief that power cannot be shared in a society. This is a cause of backlash that can be seen when examining capitalism which exploits marginalized groups in order to create monetary gains for white men. The backlash against feminism has stalled, prevented, and even reversed feminist progress because Americans have a deep-seated fear of change that would cause them to lose power.

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Apr 21st, 9:00 AM Apr 21st, 10:00 AM

Backlash Against Feminism

Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

This research examines and unpacks the underlying causes of backlash against second-wave feminism. Backlash against feminism is “one long, painful, and unremitting campaign to thwart women’s progress” (Faludi, 454) that ebbs and flows in intensity and frequency. One theory behind the occurrence of backlash is that it is a result of the fear of losing control because a lack of control results in diminished power of privileged groups over marginalized people. People in power, such as men and white people, gain power by oppressing marginalized groups, and they hold the belief that power cannot be shared in a society. This is a cause of backlash that can be seen when examining capitalism which exploits marginalized groups in order to create monetary gains for white men. The backlash against feminism has stalled, prevented, and even reversed feminist progress because Americans have a deep-seated fear of change that would cause them to lose power.