Intelligence Squared

Difficult Feminism: History’s Complicated Changemakers

Mar 7, 2023

Helen Lewis, a staff writer for The Atlantic, and Caroline Criado Perez, journalist and author of 'Invisible Women,' engage in a captivating discussion about the complex narratives of historical feminists. They delve into the stigmas faced by women who defy societal norms in their pursuit of freedom. The conversation touches on the intricacies of modern feminism, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the need for intersectionality. They also explore the perceptions of 'difficult women' and the evolving roles of men as allies in the fight for gender equality.

01:04:56

Episode guests

Caroline Criado Perez

Helen Lewis

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Fourth Wave of Feminism: From the 1970s to the Present Day

01:14

The Gender Gap in Negotiating Pay Increases

01:12

Intro

2min

Unpacking Modern Feminism: A Complex Legacy

23min

Navigating Female Empowerment and Societal Expectations

9min

Challenging Inequalities in Feminism and Education

4min

Navigating Generational Feminism

21min

Exploring Masculinity: The Language of Difficulty and Perfection

2min

Embracing the Label of 'Difficult Women'

2min

International Women’s Week on Intelligence Squared. Change is never easy, it requires putting up a fight, going against the status quo, and if you’re a woman - this may require you to be difficult. In 2020 Helen Lewis, staff writer for The Atlantic, joined us on stage to discuss the lives of some of history’s complicated and contradictory fighters for female freedom, and their refusal to conform to societal expectations. Helen was joined by Caroline Criado Perez, journalist and author of Invisible Women, which is now also a podcast. And the conversation was chaired by broadcaster Samira Ahmed who had just won the employment tribunal she brought against the BBC in a dispute over equal pay. Together they examine why women who challenge the status quo are often seen as threatening or intimidating and why the fight for change is far from perfect.

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