Human nature

• • A majority of feminists believe differences between men and women are minimal so gender equality must be the goal.
  • A minority of difference feminists believe the biological/psychological differences are significant - so women should pursue a separate course, apart from men.
• most feminists believe gender is a social construct, which must be addressed and can be removed to liberate women from traditional roles.
• Equality feminists

  Believe the natures of men and women are the same and that gender differences are artificial and a social construct
• Equality feminists

  • Women can be liberated by challenging gender roles and stereotypes
• Difference feminists

  Believe men and women have fundamentally different natures and that it is vital to consider these
• Essentialism


  The idea that men and women have fundamentally different natures
• Kate Millett: 'Women needed to engage in lesbian relationships in order to be free from oppression'
• Feminists are divided on their view of human nature
• First-wave feminist Charlotte Perkins Gilman, as well as liberal feminist Simone de Beauvoir, both believe the natures of men and women are the same