What is the meaning of feminism?

Answer 1

There are many different interpretations of what it means to be a feminist or believe in the philosophy or ideas of feminism. Feminism is a noun and essentially means "the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men" (dictionary.com) or "an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women."

However, not all feminism is for completely parallel rights for women, for instance, pregnancy leave isn't exactly becoming "equal" with men, but gaining a right that men don't necessarily need and women have a use for. It is generally accepted that there have been three waves of feminism, and it still continues into today. Now, there are many types of feminism that all tend to focus on different areas of women's rights. A great site for simple definitions and issues with different feminist theories is http://www.sou.edu/English/IDTC/Issues/Gender/Resources/femtax1.htm