Title

The F word: College students' definitions of a feminist

Authors

Authors

S. Houvouras;J. S. Carter

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Sociol. Forum

Keywords

feminism; gender; identity; perceptions; social movements; stereotypes; SOCIAL IDENTITY; WOMENS MOVEMENT; ROLE ATTITUDES; PREDICTORS; IDENTIFICATION; CONSCIOUSNESS; EXPERIENCES; ABEYANCE; SUPPORT; Sociology

Abstract

Research indicates that most people espouse feminist ideologies, yet very few self-identify as feminists. This article examines the discrepancy between agreement with feminist principles and lack of identification with feminism by analyzing 270 female and male college students' definitions of feminists. We explored similarities and differences in definitions provided by self-identified feminists and nonfeminists. The results indicate that feminists and nonfeminists are equally likely to de. ne a feminist as one who actively promotes gender equality in society and, less commonly, rejects traditional gender roles and burns bras. Feminists were more likely to de. ne a feminist as one who supports gender equality, is female, and has positive personal characteristics. Nonfeminists were more likely to de. ne a feminist as one who supports female superiority, dislikes men, discriminates based on gender, has negative personal characteristics, and is lesbian or butch. These results are discussed in the broader contexts of feminist identity and movement mobilization.

Journal Title

Sociological Forum

Volume

23

Issue/Number

2

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Language

English

First Page

234

Last Page

256

WOS Identifier

WOS:000255496500002

ISSN

0884-8971

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