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Feminism

Hello, I'm writing a paper, and eventually an article, about feminism. Recently, we had a discussion in one of my classes about Gloria Steinem, and all the guys went off on these crazy tangents about what they think she means to their "manhood!" So I want to clear up once and for all what her stance is on the roles of men in the lives of women. I'm having a little trouble finding a clear answer. Along with two of my best friends, I write articles for my college paper about what affects us these days, and we tend to get a little controversial. It would really help us if we could tell the guys at our school what feminism is all about, because we obviously don't agree anymore! Thanks for any help you can give me!

1. What does Gloria Steinem think about marriage and fatherhood?

2. What is her opinion about love and romance?

3. Do we need men in our lives? (obviously not economically!)


Thanks for your note to FEMINIST.COM. Though I can't speak for Gloria Steinem, I think that I know her and her work enough to answer your questions:

1. What does Gloria Steinem think about marriage and fatherhood?
Marriage can be good thing if the two people in it are equally respected for what they bring to the relationship. Marriage no longer means that wives are the possession of their husbands--so it isn't the compromise that it once was--and this is mostly thanks to feminism. What feminists have also fought for--and which Gloria supports--is men being more active fathers.

2. What is her opinion about love and romance?
In her book, Revolution From Within, Gloria has a chapter on love and romance, which more specifically shares her thoughts rather than any summation I can give, which would be "she has been in love many times and most of them were romantic," so obviously she supports those feelings, expressions and hopes that everyone gets to have them in their lives.

3. Do we need men in our lives? (obviously not economically!)
Women don't "need" men, but hopefully men and women want each other. Also, if women do want children and if they want to live a certain lifestyle that affords them certain things, there is the reality that on average women still make less than men. This isn't to say that women need men, but it is to say that they often need someone--a parent, a partner, a sibling--who can help. Or a village, like the African Proverb Says.


Amy

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