The F word: College students' definitions of a feminist

    Authors

    S. Houvouras;J. S. Carter

    Comments

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    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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