Feminism
In western societies, feminism has expanded accepted concepts of human rights and changed social and political practices. The idea of distinct, separate and unequal roles for men and women has been challenged and rejected by many.
Amid rapid social and economic change, gender relations are continuing to evolve in various ways:
- Femininity and masculinity are related concepts, traditionally constructed as opposites. As feminism has challenged restricted notions of femininity, ideas about masculinity have been unsettled too.
- Change has impacted at work, at home and beyond.
- Women have entered the workforce in greater numbers and in some traditionally male fields. But most women earn lower pay and do more part-time and casual work than men.
- More women are seeking equality in family and intimate relationships with growing expectations of shared child-rearing and domestic work.
- A backlash against feminism has painted feminists as 'man-haters' responsible for many social ills, including concerns about boys.
In a context of uncertainty, feminism has been resented by some as a threat to traditional concepts of masculinity. Others have seen feminism as a step towards universal equality and have welcomed the chance to challenge and broaden ideas about masculinity as well as femininity.
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