Equality, empowerment, and choice: what does feminism mean to contemporary women?

Abstract

Feminisms work to correct the social gender imbalance, necessitating women's continued self-identification as feminist. There are several reasons noted for women choosing to identify: (1) exposure to feminist beliefs through education, (2) personal influences such as strong feminist role models, and (3) awareness of gender discrimination. The current research literature on feminism has largely omitted the dynamic and contextual factors that may influence this decision. This study sought to fill this gap by utilizing qualitative methodology to evaluate reasons why contemporary women choose to self-identify as feminist. Overall, the data indicate that a general desire for equality, empowerment, and the freedom to make choices are instrumental in the decision-making process. Further, exposure to feminism, both through education and personal role models, has also led to their self-identification. The implications of these findings, as well as suggestions for the continuation of the feminist movement are discussed.

Keywords:

• feminism
• gender roles
• self-identification
• qualitative data

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the ASSeRT Research Lab at Rowan University for their assistance, specifically Stephanie Jacobs, Stephanie Mannon, Tiffany Marcantonio, Allison Smith, Danielle Smith, Meghan Kilbourn, Maureen Sessa, and Ashley Walsh. We are also grateful to Tiffany Marcantonio, Diandra Meloni, and Damon Mitchell for their assistance with editing drafts.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jill M. Swirsky

Jill Swirsky, B.A., received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Women's/Gender Studies from Drew University, and is now working toward her Ph.D. in developmental psychology at Temple University. Her primary research interests include the perception of nonphysical violence, specifically among adolescent girls, and prevention and intervention programs to decrease bullying.

D.J. Angelone

D.J. Angelone, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology at Rowan University. His primary research interests include risk and consequences for victims and perpetrators of sexually aggressive behavior. This work includes the development of laboratory analogues to examine the relevant person and situational factors associated with such behavior. He also examines factors that may influence observers' perceptions of sexual assault.