Mary Harrington, author of Feminism Against Progress, shares her transformation from a feminist to a skeptic of progress. She redefines women's liberation as an economic transition rather than progress. The hosts discuss the impact of her book on their thinking, challenging the narrative of progress theology and embracing the truthful understanding of our createdness.
The feminist movement has lost sight of the importance of embodied experiences, such as motherhood, in shaping women's identities.
There is a connection between the transgender movement and the broader transhumanist agenda, which seeks to redefine what it means to be human.
Deep dives
The Backward Approach of Modern Feminism
In this podcast episode, Mary Harrington discusses her book, 'Feminism Against Progress,' which challenges the prevailing ideas of modern feminism. Harrington argues that the feminist movement, particularly second-wave feminism, has lost sight of the importance of embodied experiences, such as motherhood, in shaping women's identities. She shares her personal journey of becoming a mother and how it challenged her previous beliefs about freedom and individuality. Harrington explores the concept of 'meat Lego,' a term she coined to describe the modern view of the body as something that can be remodeled and disconnected from its natural processes. She traces the origins of this perspective to technological advancements like the contraceptive pill and argues that it has led to a neglect of the unique experiences and needs of women. Despite the bleak outlook she presents, Harrington also finds hope in younger generations of women who are embracing a more balanced view of love, obligation, and making choices that prioritize personal well-being and family.
The Intersection of Transhumanism and Feminism
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the relationship between the LGBTQ+ movement and transhumanism. Mary Harrington highlights the connection between the transgender movement and the broader transhumanist agenda. She acknowledges that while these issues are often discussed within the scope of LGBTQ+ rights, they can also be seen as part of a larger cultural shift towards redefining what it means to be human. Harrington points out the focus on freedom and self-expression as central to the transhumanist perspective, which seeks to liberate individuals from the constraints of their biological bodies. She cites examples of activists and thinkers who have explicitly connected trans rights to transhumanist ideas. This perspective, according to Harrington, raises metaphysical questions and ultimately leads to a materialistic understanding of liberation, which can be seen as a distortion of the traditional Gnostic heresy. Despite the dim nature of this worldview, she sees avenues for hope in the recognition that attempts to abolish human nature ultimately fail and that younger generations are beginning to embrace a more grounded and realistic approach to personal choices and relationships.
Challenging the Narrative of Progress Theology
Mary Harrington critiques the prevailing narrative of progress theology, which she defines as the belief in limitless freedom and continuous improvement achieved through technological advancements. She argues that progress theology perceives the body as separate and malleable, disconnected from natural processes and limitations. Harrington suggests that progress theology, exemplified by the biolibertarianism of the cyborg era, is more focused on emancipation from human embodiment and the pursuit of personal desires than on the holistic well-being of individuals and society. She traces the origins of progress theology to technological developments, particularly the contraceptive pill, which allowed for the artificial control of reproduction and led to a reimagining of the body as a customizable entity. Harrington points out the inherent contradictions and emptiness within this worldview, highlighting how it fails to acknowledge human nature and the larger moral and metaphysical questions it raises. While she presents a somewhat bleak outlook, Harrington also identifies sources of hope in the recognition that truth and human nature cannot be fully erased or denied, and in the emergence of younger generations who are embracing a more balanced and realistic approach to their lives.
Mortification of Spin welcomes Mary Harrington to the podcast, and Carl is in full fan-boy mode. Mary, the author of Feminism Against Progress, shares how the birth of her daughter radically changed her view of feminism and why she now describes women’s liberation as more of an economic transition than “progress.” Mary purports that this so-called progress no longer benefits the majority of women, and only a feminist that is skeptical of it can truly defend their interests in the twenty-first century.
Thank you Regnery Publishing for providing three copies of Mary Harrington’sbook, Feminism Against Progress, as a giveaway for our listeners. The winners were Christy B. from Escondido, CA, Vineeta R. from Chapel Hill, SC, and Shawn L. from Matthews, NC.
