ABSTRACT:
The general purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between feminist theories and the field of communication. I will use the feminist belief of challenging traditionally accepted ideas. As a basis for understanding, I will first discuss the definition of feminism, a few of the genres of feminism and how feminist studies evolved. I will then look at feminist theories that guide studies in communication and rhetoric and move on to the relationship of language, freedom, and equality. I will then talk about new ways in which to communicate based on the feminist theories and then move on to criticisms of these theories.
DEFINITION OF FEMINISM AND FEMINIST STUDIES:
Although there are many arguments about the way feminism has been defined (some even say it cannot and should not be defined), feminism is basically about the disparities regarding how society treats men and women, with women mostly being unable to fully participate in all of society's institutions.
JACK LITTLEJOHN
Gov. Foss & Mayor Gaynor (LOC)Feminists believe that society considers male point of views as the norm, and women's' as inferior. Consider, for example, how, for the longest time, females are always ridiculed for being able to express their feelings freely (tagged as being emotional). Feminists wish to change this long-standing approach and move towards a different belief of how women are viewed and treated. Feminists believe that their way of thinking will give the world a new standpoint on how everything around us is seen and done.
Although it seems as if there are varied types of feminism, there really are no boxed-in qualifications for it. Let us think of feminism as different flavors that can be mixed together to make the best taste.
Nevertheless, I would like to discuss three "types" of feminism, liberal, Marxist, and radical feminism, which I believe would...