Elitist Antifeminism and Feminism in Germany: The Terms of the Debate
Type de matériel :
74
Feminism, for a long time the “F-word” in the social discourse in Germany, has recently seen a revival and has been used in as yet unfamiliar political contexts and with regard to new ideological positions. The new feminism debate was pushed by a well-known former news-anchor, when she published a bestseller blaming feminism for almost all of the social ills facing the German society today. The article brings forth some indicators that Eva Hermann’s attack on the women’s movements of the 1970's is part of a wider anti-feminist network, that is effectively organized and uses new media technology to its advantage. Many voices of protest have been raised against the very traditionalist opinions of the former news anchor. The media has imprinted the multi-faceted label of “new feminism” on them. However, a closer look at some of the most popular non-fiction published in this context reveals a strong conservatism that borders on and sometimes touches antifeminist positions. It is argued that “conservative feminism” is characterized by four defining features: firstly by distancing itself from an older and presumably outdated feminism, secondly by a neoliberal self-celebration, thirdly by the lack of a critical social analysis and finally by an invariably heterosexual orientation.
Réseaux sociaux