Feminism, Post-Feminism, and Traditionalism

Feminism

The introduction of Feminism was a pivotal moment in the social lives of men and women. In one generation, it took over our culture. And even now, despite the pejorative sense most people ascribe to the term, feminist ideas remain the default assumptions of our culture.

The core feminist ideal is androgyny: half-man and half-woman. In practical terms, women should be ashamed if they don't behave like men, and men should be ashamed if they do behave like men. The primary justification for these asymmetric notions is equality, with the real intent to mean "the same."

The clearest sign of the feminist culture is the shirking of duties by feminist women and men. The women refuse to be responsible for raising their children and making their home. The men refuse to be responsible for providing for, protecting, and leading their family. Feminist women and men outsource these responsibilities. The women expect other women to tend their children. The men expect women to earn half the money and do half the leading. The making of a home and the protecting of the family simply fall off everyone's plate.

"Post-Feminism"

As I researched this period, I was surprised to find out how quickly motherhood, fatherhood, and femininity movements were created to combat feminism. Parts of society immediately recognized its problems and began to push back. But without realizing it, even these counter movements became feminist over the decades.

The dominant culture daily, subtly communicates without "telling" that men and women are the same--that there are no differences to be known. Eventually, even these counter movements forgot what masculinity and femininity consist of. Today, the counter message is merely that women should be mothers and men should be breadwinners. I call this "post-feminism": having the form of tradition, but lacking a clear understanding of it.

There are tell-tale signs of post-feminism in our families. While willing to provide a livable income, many men abdicate their leadership role. While willing to raise their children, many women focus their attention on the drudgery of chores. In too many cases, protecting the family and making a home still go undone.

"Traditionalism"

My goal is to engage with you to achieve a clear understanding of the natural differences between masculinity and femininity. To help revive the old, traditional knowledge of the foundations and harmonies of these differences. To enable us to know how to treat our spouse right and be treated right in return.

Keep Reading >> His Role

See previous article in series: Men & Women: What's the Difference?