Unit 11 Feminism Family Theory

In my blog today I would like to compare feminism in our society to feminism in other countries. Like mentioned in our readings, cultural differences can change the role of feminism in a society. Although feminism in Japan is attributed to a huge influx of Western influence in Japanese culture, it also differs from Western feminism by focusing less on the individual. Prior to the nineteenth century women were taught to obey any man they came into contact with. There were women being sold and forced into staying in unhappy and/or violent relationships. when the feudal system was abolished women could no longer be sold, women were allowed to request a divorce, and both boys and girls received an elementary education. Then like their Western counterparts women gained the right to vote and the sexes became more equal. Where they differed was Japanese women wanted equality for both sexes from the oppression of society, not equality with men.

In India feminist are like many of there Western counterparts. They to want equality amongst the genders. Indian women want equal pay, political rights, and equal access to education and healthcare. Unlike Westerners, Indian feminists face a unique sense of discrimination due to India's patriarchal society. Sex-selective abortion is a major issue that has been plaguing feminists in india for two decades, but unfortunately as it stands a man has right to terminate a pregnancy if the sex of the baby is undesired. 

In Egypt women were once considered o be equal. Many of Egypt's literature and artwork depict women having equal if not more power then men. When Europe began to invade Egypt those views quickly shifted, and women in Egypt are fighting for equality. Some of the unique issues feminists face in Egypt are on the issues of marriage. Feminists have fought unsuccessfully to raise the age to legally get married as well as the abolition of polygamy. 

It is clear to me that women all across the world are facing issues of social inequalities. Cultural differences play a role in what social issues feminists will be fighting to make equal and/or abolish. Women have come a long way in many retrospects but still have a long way to becoming equal with our male counterparts.