The New Feminism

We have seen that interrogating cultural and sexual behaviour has not led to a thoroughgoing change in the balance of power. Feminism has enunciated many, too many, critiques of dress and pornography, of poetry and filmmaking, of language and physical behaviour. It has sought to direct our personal lives on every level. And yet women have still not achieved fundamental equality; they are still poorer and less powerful than men. Rather than concentrating its energy on the ways women dress and talk and make love, feminism must now attack the material basis of economic and social and political inequality. (Walter, 2010; p4)

It must not be trammelled by a rigid ideology that alienates and divides women who are working for the same end: increased power and equality for women. Feminism is a social movement, like environmental or civil rights movements, that relies on a spreading consensus among diverse people. It is not a self-help or religious movement that relies on good behaviour from its disciples and correct attitudes at all times. (Walter, 2010; p5)

The old myth that about feminists, that they all wear dungarees and are lesbians and socialists, must be buried for good. (Walter, 2010; p5)

However young women dress, however they make love, however they flirt, they can be feminists. (Walter, 2010; p5)

In working for an equal society, men must be women's allies, because unless they take on an equal part of the caring work women cannot hope to go on and on moving into employment and public life. (Walter, 2010; p5)


Walter, N., 2010. The New Feminism. 4th ed. St Ivers: Little, Brown.