Does one need to be a feminist to believe in gender equality?

Question

If gender equality is the goal, why is it called "feminism"?

Answer 1

No.  In fact many feminists aren't for gender equality.  Feminism only means you fight for women's rights and/or status in society.  That may mean only fighting for equal rights, but it may also not mean that.

Answer 2

I do believe in gender equality but I am certainly not a feminist. If I were to go by that title, the women in G&WS would be pursuing me  with fire lit torches and pitchforks.

Answer 3

Call yourself whatever you like.  It's called "Feminism" because it was originally a crusade to gain equal rights for woman.  People worry too d**n much about labels.

Answer 4

They don't need to call themselves that, but in most cases, they usually do match up with the definition of feminism.

It's called feminism because it originated as a movement for women, since men didn't need one. Can you tell me what "masculinism" is?

Answer 5

You are right - the term 'feminism' should be enough to answer the question. People who are interested in gender equality (or equality in general) are humanists. Why do some people insist that its equal when you address issues for on 50% of the population while ignoring the impact on the other 50%? If it something is about equality it should consider the needs of 100% of the people.

Answer 6

Well feminist's "equality is completely one-sided where anything that elevates women is somehow achieving "equality" even when it slants the playing field in their favor.

The game is like this.    Feminism spreads the idea that ALL men oppress women so any male power is automatically negative and places women behind.

So to counteract that "oppression" new laws have to emerge that give women special treatment and a "leg-up" over men.

It's worked for them for decades now.

That little dance isn't really working today.

Men are fighting all of the sexist anti-male assertions that feminism has brought to the table.

So the answer to your question is a resounding no.   Feminists believe in anything that gives women the advantage.

Answer 7

Probably because a lot of people think woman can't do some things that men can do.

Answer 8

No, you can be a masculists or equalists as well.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 9

Women are by and large one of the largest marginalized groups world wide.  'Nuff said.

Answer 10

Because the goal isn't to make men equal to where women are now, it's to get the women to where the men are.

Answer 11

well back in the day feminism was a valid point, one that other women respected and believed in a time where women were treated badly.

Feminists these days are whiney b*****s with a chip on their shoulder who like to play the s*x discrimination card because they can.

Answer 12

no, one does not.

feminism is a humanism with emphasis on the need for women's rights.  there ya go...

Answer 13

Because women were the ones without the rights.  The word was coined to promote female rights.  If you want to call yourself a gender egalitarian, be my guest.