Seize the Day: Is Feminism Still Necessary?

How did the first wave feminists differ from their successors? What is the special mission of women? Are women really equal to men? Andrea Földi-Kovács seeks to answer these questions in the latest episode of Carpe Deum.

What does a woman need? This question is raised not only in movies, but also in everyday life. Feminism is one of the most influential women’s movements worldwide. It is a socio-critical ideology with the goal of achieving gender equality in social, economic, cultural, private, and sexual realms.

In Western societies secularized after the French Revolution, women demanded equality in both social and legal aspects.

Among the early feminists, many emphasized the protection of prenatal lives. “Abortion is the complete exploitation of women,” said Alice Paul, who played a role in securing women’s voting rights in 1920.

It is undeniable that the women’s rights movement achieved significant victories in its early days through quick and significant battles, resulting in the expansion of women’s suffrage in European countries through legislation. However, the struggle did not end there.

Contraception was considered a huge innovation upon its introduction and became one of the most divisive issues. During this period, feminism reinterpreted women’s relationship to motherhood and family as a burden. At the same time, the movement promoted careers and increasingly emphasized that women are equal to men in sexual matters, and therefore should behave like men.

Today’s feminism fights for free sex, reproductive rights, and abortion as women’s rights, convincing women that this will make them happy. The contemporary radical feminist trend has declared patriarchy as the common enemy and introduced the concept of toxic masculinity. They see the fulfilment of female identity in becoming equal to men. However, the struggle for equality and empowerment simplifies the issue, focusing not on the protection of women and their real needs, but on a permanent male-female class struggle and power dynamics.

In summary, feminism diminishes and stigmatizes women’s desire for a family, while simultaneously promoting career and casual sex. Is this really what women need? Considering the nature of women and their real needs, it is questionable whether there is a recipe for a successful and happy life for them.