Why I'm an Anti-Feminist - Inez Stepman | Maiden Mother Matriarch 33
Oct 1, 2023
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Inez Steppman, journalist, and senior policy analyst, discusses why she won't call herself a feminist despite promoting policies for women, the proposal of providing women with a state pension during maternity leave, the impact of incentives on family and community, advocating for sex negativity in a sex-positive framework, power dynamics in relationships and domestic violence, equal maternity rights, and insights on feminism.
Inez Steppmann argues that the differences between men and women should be celebrated instead of deconstructed, rejecting the social construction theory of feminism.
The Independent Women's Forum aims to create a society that honors and benefits from the natural differences between men and women, offering policy solutions like making social security more flexible for women.
Inez Steppmann calls for a nuanced understanding of the interdependence and complementarity between men and women, rejecting the concept of complete equality and advocating for promoting healthy forms of masculinity.
Deep dives
Inez Steppmann's Work and Views on Feminism
Inez Steppmann is a journalist and senior policy analyst at the Independent Women's Forum (IWF). She describes herself as an anti-feminist despite promoting policies that benefit women. Inez disagrees with the social construction theory of feminism, which claims that societal norms shape gender identity. She believes that the differences between men and women are not solely socially constructed and should be celebrated instead of deconstructed. Inez argues that society should aim for a script that honors the natural differences between men and women and promotes a flourishing society.
IWF's Mission and Creative Policy Proposals
The Independent Women's Forum (IWF), where Inez Steppmann works, is an organization committed to improving the lives of women through serious policy research and analysis. They focus on constructive solutions that make women's lives measurably better. The IWF aims to create a society that honors and benefits from the natural differences between men and women. Inez highlights one policy proposal the IWF has introduced, which involves making social security more flexible to allow women to retire later and use their pension as maternity leave.
The Limits of Feminism and Society's Script
Inez Steppmann questions the idea that feminism can achieve complete political, social, and economic equality between men and women. She argues that there are inherent differences between men and women that cannot be erased or ignored. Inez believes that a society should have a script that honors these differences and promotes the flourishing of both genders. She rejects the concept of oppressor and oppressed in gender relations, and instead promotes a more nuanced understanding of the interdependence and complementarity between men and women.
Challenges in Addressing Domestic Violence
In the discussion about domestic violence, Inez Steppmann acknowledges that there are cases where women can be victims of abusive behavior. However, she argues that these cases should not be used as justification to demasculinize men or to deny the differences between the sexes. Inez points out that violence perpetrated by women is typically less physically damaging due to biological differences in strength and size. She suggests that society should focus on promoting healthy forms of masculinity, addressing power imbalances, and supporting fathers in teaching their sons how to use and control power in virtuous and productive ways.
The Complicated Nature of Equality
Inez Steppmann challenges the notion of absolute equality between men and women, arguing that complete political, social, and economic equality is both unachievable and undesirable. She believes that men and women have different roles and characteristics, and attempting to erase these differences can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Inez proposes a more nuanced approach that recognizes and celebrates the interdependence and complementarity between the sexes, while also acknowledging the power dynamics and addressing any forms of abuse or misuse of power.
Conclusion
Inez Steppmann's perspective challenges traditional feminist ideas and highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the natural differences between men and women. She calls for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges power dynamics, promotes healthy forms of masculinity, and supports societal scripts that allow both men and women to flourish. She also acknowledges the complexities surrounding issues like domestic violence and the need for a balanced approach in addressing them. Through her work at the IWF and her podcast, Inez explores these topics and seeks to foster informed discussions on gender and society.
My guest today is Inez Stepman, she's a journalist and host of the podcast High Noon. She is also a senior policy analyst at the Independent Women's Forum. On the podcast we discuss why Inez won't call herself a feminist, despite her career promoting policy in the interests of women; we discussed why she believes the term ‘feminist’ carries a lot of neg…
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