Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Faculty of Arts

School of Governmental and Social Science

SSA 204 ­ Women in Africa

A critical discussion of African Feminism as an Exponent

of Feminist Theory

Anna Ihle

Content

1. Introduction 1

2. Definitions 1

2.1. Feminist Theory 1

2.2. African Feminism 2

3. Differences to other theories 2

4. Similarities 3

5. Conclusion 4

Bibliography 4

i

1.

Introduction

Feminism isn′t the same everywhere.

As the idea of equality between men and women spread around the globe, a frag-

mentation could be observed. Not everywhere were the concepts and images, cre-

ated by American middle-class feminists, as wel applicable and appropriate as in

their original setting. The development of a Black feminism fol owed and was further

chal enged by the emergence of an African subdivision, which introduced new per-

spectives of colour, race, ethnicity and sexuality to the debate (Maerten 2004: 1).

The question arises if African feminism can be seen as an exponent to feminist the-

ory as for instance liberal or radical feminism. Is the focusing on a particular group of

people by region or ethnicity in the same way a valid division of an approach as the

dissection for the reason of differing goals?

In this paper the author wants to discuss the position of African feminism within the

entire concept. After defining the two major terms feminist theory and African Femi-

nism, a general register of the differences as wel as the similarities mean to draw an

important comparison between the different perspectives. The final part wil provide a

review of the mentioned aspects of the debate to lead the reader to a position, where

he can draw his own conclusions and opinions from.

2.

Definitions

2.1.

FEMINIST THEORY

Feminism can be defined as a shared contemplation and advocacy of equality be-

tween men and women.

The feminist theory sees its purpose in chal enging the assessment of positions and

experiences of women, as wel as society and social interaction by male bias. It sup-

ports women′s rights as wel as linked issues. Furthermore it criticises unequal social

relations. The understanding of particular social behaviour, the awareness of male

dominance and the observation of a situation through various angles and viewpoints

have been achievements of the feminist theory.

The feminist perception is moreover divided into a variety of different approaches like

the liberal and radical feminism.

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