Equality and Differences: Some Feminist Thoughts

Equality and Differences: Some Feminist Thoughts

Rashida A. Khanum
ISBN13: 9781522502258|ISBN10: 1522502254|EISBN13: 9781522502265
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0225-8.ch010
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MLA

Khanum, Rashida A. "Equality and Differences: Some Feminist Thoughts." Discourse Analysis as a Tool for Understanding Gender Identity, Representation, and Equality, edited by Nazmunnessa Mahtab, et al., IGI Global, 2016, pp. 204-217. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-0225-8.ch010

APA

Khanum, R. A. (2016). Equality and Differences: Some Feminist Thoughts. In N. Mahtab, S. Parker, F. Kabir, T. Haque, A. Sabur, & A. Sowad (Eds.), Discourse Analysis as a Tool for Understanding Gender Identity, Representation, and Equality (pp. 204-217). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-0225-8.ch010

Chicago

Khanum, Rashida A. "Equality and Differences: Some Feminist Thoughts." In Discourse Analysis as a Tool for Understanding Gender Identity, Representation, and Equality, edited by Nazmunnessa Mahtab, et al., 204-217. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2016. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-0225-8.ch010

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Abstract

This paper addresses the implications of equality and differences between women and men. The principle of equality is an abstract principle which is difficult to actualize in practical field. On the other hand, it has been argued in the paper that differences that exist between women and men are social constructs. In order to achieve equality it is necessary to re-conceptualize differences as “oppression or subordination”. Regarding the equality and difference issue this paper gives importance on the views of Mary Wollstonecraft, John Stuart Mill and Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain. All these philosophers believe that equality can be achieved by minimizing differences. Minimizing can be done by proving capabilities of women through their performances. Education plays utmost role to prove the capabilities that women possess. Finally, it is pointed out that social conditioning is responsible for making gap between women and men and we need to break social conditioning to create new mind set and social attitude.

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