Abstract In this article, the writer presents a discussion of the key assumptions inherent in contemporary feministtheory. The writer studies the applications of such theory in modern society. The historical framework of feminism is discussed in this paper. The writer makes the distinction between sex and gender.
From the Paper "Feminist theory crosses the boundaries of genre to influence sociology, philosophy, theology and everything in between. Historically, the main expressions of feminist activity were seen by the general public as extremist and radical. Today, though feminist principals underpin all areas of modern life in an appropriately measured way. Radical feminism was certainly the main impetus for the birth of the cultural revolution, which we now know as contemporary feminist theory. A historical framework of feminism was established by pioneers of the movement including Simone de ... "
Abstract This paper seeks to take a critical look at feministtheory in light of the second wave of feminism by breaking down feminism into its various belief systems and foundations. A short section on feminist bioethics is also presented including its history and foundation. The next section of the paper focuses on abortion in light of feministtheory. The paper then concludes with a personal discussion on the author's agreement with the pro-choice feministtheory on abortion. While theory and foundations on feminism are presented for both pro-choice and pro-life feministtheory, this writer believes that the maintenance of a pro-choice feminist ideology is critical.
Outline:
Abstract
FeministTheory and Feminism
Feminist Bioethics
Abortion in Light of FeministTheory - US
Abortion in Light of FeministTheory - International
This Writer as 'Pro-Choice' - Statement
This Writer as 'Pro-Choice' - Personal Ideology
From the Paper "Stewart (2003) tells us that from the late 1960s into the 1970s, feminists started developing their own theory as to what feminism was, but by the 190s, there were conflicting opinions and viewpoints on the best way to challenge the patriarchy. Ermarth (2000) comments on the differing viewpoints of feminism that are all individual components of the "feminist umbrella" she refers to as 'identity politics.' To Ermarth (2000), how one identifies themselves determines their concept of feminism. Ermarth (2000) tells us that feminism can take on any meaning, although the most common refers to the social factors related to male supremacy and an opposition to any kind of domination. "
Abstract This paper examines the films "The Crying Game" and "My Beautiful Laundrette" in terms of feministtheory. The two major theories of feminism that are used to describe these two films are those of post- colonial and psychoanalytical thought. The implications present in these films is that there most certainly are aspects of each film that can be seen to accurately correspond to these distinctive theories, but that neither film directly correlates to either one of these theories perfectly.
A review and discussion regarding four different criminal theories: differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feministtheory.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper examines four critical theories that have been developed in order to study criminal behavior in human societies. Each of the theories discussed in this paper have been chosen from a wide list of options and are part of a separate classification group. The four theories that this paper identifies are differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feministtheory.
From the Paper "Criminology is a wide field devoted to the theoretical study of crime, of its causes, of its relationship to the law, and of its relationship to human communities. In a way, crime affects all human societies at very fundamental levels. That such a powerful force should spawn a critical discipline devoted to its study is not surprising. Once it became an academic discipline it is even less surprising that critics and theorists have been unable to agree upon a theoretical framework that encompasses all aspects of criminology. Instead, criminology has been divided, over the years, into a number of critical theories that sometimes complement one another and other times are at odds with each other."
Abstract This paper summarizes a report by Cheshire Calhoun entitled "Separating Lesbian Theory from FeministTheory" on differences between lesbianism and feminism and why these differences matter when discussing their problems. The report discusses the issue of male oppression and the various theoretical constructs used to examine these issues in society today, with reference to certain specific theorists.
From the Paper "Cheshire Calhoun in her article "Separating Lesbian Theory from Feminist Theory" begins by citing Heidi Hartmann to the effect that Marxism and feminism had become conjoined, leading to a consideration of the nature of lesbian feminism and its relationship to Marxism and to other theoretical constructs. Many Marxist theorists have seen lesbianism as a feminist resistance to male dominance, while few lesbian theorists now see the issue in that light. Instead, they see the issue more and more in terms of women's relation to women and to a number of oppositions among lesbians as among others in society, addressing issues of ageism, racism, anti-Semitism and so on."
An evaluation of the issues of race and feminism that are raised with relation to the role that women of color have in developing feministtheory and in particular regarding Indian women in Canadian academia.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 62.95
Abstract This essay considers the deeply complex roles that class and religion can play with regards to Indian women in Canadian academia, and the influence of elitism in developing feministtheory.
Abstract The paper shows that there are a number of different views of the meaning of rape, its causes and other issues of importance. Different theorists and analysts have offered their view of the meaning of this act, the reason why this type of violence seems necessary to some people, the effect of rape on the victim, and the view taken of these matters by society. The paper explains that criminologists take different views of the causes of rape based on different theories of behavior. It examines two such theories - The 'Social Learning Theory' as set forth by a number of theorists, among them Ronald Akers and 'Radical FeministTheory', which combines a feminist perspective on society with ideas about what causes human behavior. In terms of rape, this means male behavior. The paper shows that in some ways, both theories address rape from a perspective involving learned behavior and would try to solve the problem by substituting a different learning structure. It explains that where Akers and the Radical Feminists differ is in their definitions of rape and so in terms of the behavior they are explaining.
From the Paper "Akers (1998) states that his General Theory "is applicable to all types of criminal and deviant behavior, from minor violations of social norms to the most serious and organized criminal activities" (Akers, 1998, xx). He offers a chapter on rape and sexual aggression in which he calls such crimes "sexual access," and describes the crime in terms of non-consensual sexual intercourse. This brings him into conflict with some feminists on the subject, such as Rozee (1994), who states that "limiting definitions of rape to only non-consensual sexual intercourse ignores some of the most violent and obviously non-sex-related cases of rape that occur, such as penetration with objects" (Rozee, 1994, 500). It would also exclude male victims, victims who are underage, wives, and the non-forcible rape of an incapacitated victim, which Rozee would not exclude."
Tags: 'Social, Learning, Theory, Radical, Feminist, Theory
Abstract This paper explains that criminologists believe that all theories that attempt to explain criminal behavior must contain dimensions relating to the society's conception of criminal behavior, some type of treatment and a particular research methodology. The author focuses on the biological theory, the psychological theory, the feministtheory and integrated theory, all of which share many similarities and differences while supporting each other in relation to the causes of crime and criminal activity. The paper concludes that the overall causation of criminal behavior does not draw upon only one of the theories in this paper; however, the integrated theory helps to fill in the gaps created by other theories and may help to shed new light on how the other theories might be improved.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Specific Criminological Theories The Biological Theory The Psychological Theory The FeministTheory The Integrated Theory
From the Paper "In essence, this approach leans heavily toward reinforcement, or in other words, "positive reinforcement or reward which increases the likelihood of the behavior which follows." Obviously, the psychological theory supports the assumption that genetics, particularly regarding brain development, is closely tied to criminal behavior and motivations; however, the psychological approach to crime causation contradicts itself in many ways, especially when one considers that fact that "all aggressive persons are not criminals and all criminals are not aggressive.""
Abstract This paper explains that the feminist article by Charlotte is simply written and effective in its clarity. The author states the reader is encouraged to know that feminist theoretical material is not just philosophical but should promote greater interest and knowledge of the exterior world including varieties of women's experience and problems, which otherwise might not be known or considered..
An analysis of Katherine Mansfield's story "Bliss" and how it represents some of the key feministtheories outlined in Simone De Beauvoir's work "The Second Sex".
Abstract This paper looks at Katherine Mansfield's work "Bliss" to identify if any of De Beauvoir's theories in "The Second Sex" can be drawn from it. It examines the relationship between Bertha and Miss Fulton and her husband Harry in "Bliss" in order to highlight some key theories of "The Second Sex" and demonstrates how "Bliss" can be viewed as a literary response to feminism which attempts to present women's oppression.
From the Paper "In the opening lines of Bliss, the reader is given an insight into Bertha's happy state and her analysis of her own blissful feelings: 'there is no way you can express it without being "drunk and disorderly." How idiotic civilisation is! Why be given a body if you have to keep it shut up in a case like a rare, rare fiddle?' This suggests that, as opposed to drunkenness and disorderliness, the accepted norms of behaviour for the female character are dignity and self-control. The reader is given the first clue as to a class prejudice, for Bertha is reflecting the viewpoint of her world and environment. It can therefore be assumed that she comes from a middle-class, bourgeois background."
Abstract This paper delves into the legal, ethical and religious aspects surrounding abortion, while also focusing on the feminist view of this hotly-debate topic. The writer of this paper traces the roots of the abortion debate back to Susan B. Anthony. Anthony opposed abortion because the medical procedure, in her time, was unsafe and endangered a woman's health and life. This paper examines how feminists today defend the development of safe and effective birth control as a means to prevent abortion. This paper also looks at the views of various feminist organizations such as Feminists for Life and Feminists Against Abortion. This paper discusses the media's impact in the evolution of the "Pro-Choice" and "Pro-Life" movements. This paper also discusses how the laws regarding legal abortions have changed over the past 40 years. In 1965, all 50 states banned the procedure, with some exceptions. In 1973, The Supreme Court reversed the situation in the case of Roe vs. Wade, declaring most existing state abortion laws unconstitutional. The writer of this paper explores the issue of abortion in various religions, including Judaism and the different Christian sects. While those of the Catholic faith do not believe that abortion is an acceptable solution to undesired pregnancies, they do accept that there may be situations when an abortion must be considered. This paper also touches on the ethical side, where many believe that abortions should only be considered when the life of the mother is at stake. However, shades of grey enter into the picture when other reasons are offered as well, as detailed in this paper.
From the Paper "Although those of the Catholic faith do not believe that abortion is an acceptable solution to undesired pregnancies, they do accept that there may be situations when an abortion takes place as the outcome of trying to deal with another medical issue. For example, the Church would allow "the doctrine of double effect" if the mother requires a life-saving operation that may possibly end the pregnancy, since it is the first priority to save the woman's life rather than end the pregnancy.
Many Protestant denominations including the Anglicans, Methodists and Quakers have been disinclined to be as strict as the Catholic Church. Frequently, they accept that there are certain occasions when abortion is an unavoidable result of deciding between the "lesser of two evils."
To further complicate the issue, explains Ellingson, there is even disagreement among the Catholics and among the Protestants. "It is not just a Catholic and Protestant Debate."
Abstract This paper discusses how abortion has evoked considerable debate and controversy throughout history. In the United States, it has been a subject of heated debate through most of its history. The paper reports that in recent times "pro-choice" and "pro-life" movements have taken diametrically opposite positions on the ethical, legal and medical aspects of the issue. The paper presents an overview of abortion's history in the US and discusses the legal decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue from Roe onwards.
Outline:
Early History of Abortion in the United States
Following the Common Law
Lenient Attitude
Upsurge in Abortions Physicians Lead Anti-Abortion Campaign
Turning of the Tide
Roe v. Wade (1973) and Subsequent U.S. Laws on Abortion Pro-Choice v Pro-Life Arguments
Does Life Begin at Conception?
Right of Woman Over Her Body
Fetus as a Parasite
Scientific Argument
The Religious Belief
The Feminist View on Abortion Public Opinion
The Pros and Cons of Pro-Life & Pro-Choice Arguments
Conclusion
From the Paper "Over the next decade and more, the US Supreme Court struck down several attempts by the state to restrict abortion. For example, in 1983 the Court found it unconstitutional to require a woman seeking abortion to be given information about risks or consequences of the procedure and to wait 24 hours after receiving information before having the abortion. Similarly, in 1986 the court struck down a Pennsylvania law requiring that state-developed materials about abortion be offered to women undergoing the procedure. (McGee and Merz, 2004) However, since 1989, the Court has permitted several state-imposed restrictions to stand. In its decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989), the court upheld a Missouri law that prohibited the use of public facilities or public employees for abortion and required a physician to determine the viability of a fetus older than 20 weeks before performing an abortion. In Rust v. Sullivan (1991), the court upheld a federal policy that prevented health care providers who received federal funding from engaging in any activities that encouraged or promoted abortion as a method of family planning (Ibid.)"
Abstract This paper paper introduces, summarizes and discusses an article about the stance on abortion taken by pro-life feminists entitled, "Abortion and the Sexual Agenda: A Case for Pro-life Feminism". The paper examines the moral and philosophical questions involved in this hotly debated topic and examines the arguments against abortion put forth by pro-life feminists.
From the Paper "There are few debates that rage as passionately as the argument regarding abortion and women's reproductive rights. Indeed, this topic inevitably gives rise to the discussion of moral and philosophical questions about personhood and fetal rights. The debate becomes even more interesting, however, when approached from opposing feminist perspectives, as both pro-choice and pro-life feminists are committed to bringing about full social equality for women, yet view the abortion issue in entirely different lights. While it may seem that feminism requires a certain support of abortion as part of..."
Tags:abortion, pro-life, pro-choice, feminism, fetal rights, social equality
Abstract Almost three decades after the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade case legalizing abortion in America, the issue remains the greatest moral flashpoint facing America today. This paper examines the underlying ethical arguments of both sides of the abortion debate, using Ronald Dworkin's "sanctity of life" principles. By ?abortion,? this paper includes all forms of abortion, from early fetal abortion through the RU46 drug to late-term abortions, from abortions out of "convenience" to abortions in cases of rape and incest. It evaluates how the anti-abortion crusade has framed their campaign on the personhood and the rights of the fetus. The second part looks at the pro-abortion movement, which has framed their issue as a campaign for women's reproductive rights. Finally, the paper examines the approach of a minority of women, activists from both camps who are working to bridge the gap between pro- and anti-abortion factions.
By presenting both sides, this paper argues that because of current societal structures that make unwanted pregnancy more likely to happen and its consequences more difficult to assume, abortion must remain an option, a ?necessary evil.? Both pro- and anti-abortion factions, however, must work towards their common ground ? a society where abortions are no longer necessary.
From the Paper "Despite the legality of abortion and its importance to women's rights, anti-abortion activists have successfully curtailed several pro-choice gains. More important, the "pro-life" camp's appeals to a higher moral law have successfully placed pro-choice advocates on the defensive.
However, pro-choice advocates also frame their stand on morality. Forcing a woman to continue and unwelcome pregnancy is ultimately harmful to the mother and the child. The creation of unwanted and uncared-for children has a two-fold effect of limiting a woman's potential for both the present and future motherhood. As Roiphe states, becoming a mother is a crucial choice and its imposition makes women into "slaves of their biology" (142)."
Tags: fetus, bible, christian, feminists, morality, birth, control
Abstract Abortion is one of the most hotly contested issues in the history of the United States. There are three primary sides to the issue of abortion - the pro-life, pro-choice and morally conflicted. This paper focuses primarily on the different interest groups, their views and approaches to changing abortion laws throughout the nation. In exploring these primary issues, the paper inevitably explores each of the three belief structures regarding abortion.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Pro-Life Interest Groups
Pro-Choice Interest Groups and Tactics
Roe vs. Wade
Interest Groups Using the Law
Illegal Methods
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "The court, in making its decision applied the legal standard known as strict scrutiny to come to this decision. This is the most stringent test that a government can face, and means that a woman's right to chose what to do with her own body can only be regulated by government if that government first passes "strict scrutiny".34 To pass strict scrutiny, a woman's right must be outweighed in a legal balancing test by the state showing that they have a "compelling interest", and that the compelling interest is achieved by a narrowly tailored law that does not infringe upon the woman's right to chose any more that is absolutely necessary to achieve the state's goals.35 Because this test is so hard, it almost always means that laws that challenge a woman's right to chose will be struck down, thus the only way for Pro-lifers to get their way and eventually defeat the right to chose is for them to make sure that Roe v. Wade is challenged and defeated."
