The Sexual Revolution and the Radical Redefinition of Feminism — A Conversation with Mary Harrington
Oct 2, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging conversation, Mary Harrington, a columnist and editor for UnHerd and author of "Feminism Against Progress," delves into the provocative arguments of her latest work. She challenges traditional notions of progress, emphasizing that change can come with unforeseen drawbacks, particularly in the context of women's rights. The discussion touches on the evolution of feminism, the complexities of motherhood, and the influence of Marx and Engels on our understanding of family and technology, all while critiquing liberal feminism's implications for women's lived realities.
The podcast explores the paradox of identifying as a feminist without subscribing to the deterministic concept of societal progress.
It discusses the historical evolution of feminism and the critical role of motherhood, emphasizing the complexities often overlooked by modern feminist ideologies.
Deep dives
The Concept of Feminism Without Progress
The discussion centers around the notion of whether one can identify as a feminist without subscribing to the idea of progress. The speaker conveys a personal journey of reconciling feminist beliefs with skepticism toward the notion of inevitable societal progress. This line of inquiry raises questions about how women's interests are addressed in political discourse, particularly when progress is viewed as unquestionable. The speaker suggests that embracing a nuanced understanding of feminism allows for advocacy for women’s rights without the need to affirm progress as a universal truth.
Redefining Progress: Belief, Not Fact
The conversation delves into the idea that progress is often treated as an absolute truth, yet it can be viewed as a belief system rather than an established fact. The speaker argues that notions of progress ignore problematic trade-offs and lead to circular reasoning in discussions surrounding societal advancements. By using historical examples, the idea is presented that while some aspects of life may have improved, there are equally serious declines that must be acknowledged. This ambivalence calls for a reassessment of how progress is defined and understood within contemporary discussions.
The Evolution of Feminism Through Historical Context
The podcast outlines a tripartite framework of the feminist movement, dividing it into distinct historical waves, beginning with suffragism and evolving through the sexual revolution. It posits that the understanding of feminism extends beyond these widely recognized milestones, tracing its roots back to the Industrial Revolution, which fundamentally altered gender dynamics. The transformation from household-based economies to industrial labor created new challenges for women, prompting the early feminist movement to address these socio-economic shifts. This perspective underscores the complexity and historical depth of feminist thought, which often gets overlooked.
The Intersection of Motherhood and Feminism
A pivotal theme is the relationship between motherhood and feminist ideology, specifically regarding the implications of modern feminist movements on the perception of women's roles. The speaker critiques the prevailing belief within feminism that equates liberation with independence from traditional roles like motherhood. By sharing personal insights on becoming a mother, it is argued that motherhood introduces complexities that liberal feminist ideologies often overlook, particularly concerning women’s bodily autonomy and societal expectations. This contention raises critical questions about the future of feminism when it seemingly neglects the fundamental aspects of femininity inherent in motherhood.
This is Thinking in Public, a program dedicated to intelligent conversation about frontline theological and cultural issues with the people who are shaping them.
In this edition of the popular podcast series “Thinking in Public,” Albert Mohler speaks with editor for the online editorial UnHerd, Mary Harrington. They discuss her latest book, “Feminism Against Progress.” If you enjoyed this episode of Thinking in Public, you can find many more of these conversations here. You can purchase “Feminism Against Progress” here.
Sign up to receive every new Thinking in Public release in your inbox.