Christina Hoff Sommers
(Branding FIRE as a "stealth conservative" organization just seems to be an attempt to discredit civil liberties groups) |
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'''Christina Hoff Sommers''' is a self-declared [[feminism|feminist]] author, and philosopher, who personally coined the term "equity feminist", so she could call herself a feminist. She was notable for her work advancing the feminist movement in the 70s and 80s, before making an abrupt about-turn, splitting with mainstream feminist thought in more modern times, in favour of her more [[classical liberalism|classical liberal]] view on gender equality.<ref>Sommers, C. (1994). Who stole feminism?: How women have betrayed women (p. 22). New York: Simon & Schuster.</ref> Those who don't subscribe to her brand of feminism are now denounced by her as "gender feminists". | '''Christina Hoff Sommers''' is a self-declared [[feminism|feminist]] author, and philosopher, who personally coined the term "equity feminist", so she could call herself a feminist. She was notable for her work advancing the feminist movement in the 70s and 80s, before making an abrupt about-turn, splitting with mainstream feminist thought in more modern times, in favour of her more [[classical liberalism|classical liberal]] view on gender equality.<ref>Sommers, C. (1994). Who stole feminism?: How women have betrayed women (p. 22). New York: Simon & Schuster.</ref> Those who don't subscribe to her brand of feminism are now denounced by her as "gender feminists". | ||
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| + | ==Career and credentials== | ||
| + | Christina Sommers earned her B.A. from New York University, and her Ph.D in Philosophy from Brandeis University. She is also a board member of the [[Foundation for Individual Rights in Education]], and a member of the conservative think tank the [[American Enterprise Institute]]. Her writings also appeared on the MRA website ''A Voice for Men''<ref>[https://mancheeze.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/christina-hoff-sommers-joins-the-hate-site-a-voice-for-men/ Christina Hoff Sommers Joins the Hate Site A Voice for Men].</ref> | ||
==Views on contemporary feminism== | ==Views on contemporary feminism== | ||
| − | Ms. Sommers has taken a critical stance on contemporary feminism, and published two books, ''' | + | Ms. Sommers has taken a critical stance on contemporary feminism, and published two books, '''''Who Stole Feminism''''', and '''''The War Against Boys''''', both which claim that modern feminism, by viewing societal constructs on privilege and power through a gender-based lens, has abandoned gender equality for a nebulously defined "justice", that does more harm than good. In particular, her second book, ''The War Against Boys'' makes it explicit the damage she believes contemporary feminism is doing, and identifies a generation of vilified males as the victim. However, examined carefully, Sommers's case does not hold up well. She persistently misrepresents scholarly debate, ignores evidence that contradicts her assertions, and directs intense scrutiny at studies she opposes while giving a free critical ride to research she supports.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/books/reviews/waragainstboys0703.htm |
The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men; Reviewed by E. Anthony Rotundo, who is the author of "American Manhood: Transformations in Masculinity from the Revolution to the Modern Era." He also teaches at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass.] Washington Post; July 2, 2000 </ref> | The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men; Reviewed by E. Anthony Rotundo, who is the author of "American Manhood: Transformations in Masculinity from the Revolution to the Modern Era." He also teaches at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass.] Washington Post; July 2, 2000 </ref> | ||
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{{cquote|When the debate turned to abortion rights, Hoff-Sommers cited polling data showing that while 34% of American women believe that abortion is morally acceptable, 51% of American women believe that abortion is morally wrong. “The nation is engaged in a contentious argument over a moral dilemma,” said Hoff Sommers, who identified herself as pro-choice. “I find it appalling that there is such a disregard for what is in fact a majority of our countrymen who view it differently, and some passionately. Rather than attack them as somehow engaged in some kind of dark conspiracy against women’s bodies, we have to understand why they hold these positions… and why it’s not going away as a moral question.”}} | {{cquote|When the debate turned to abortion rights, Hoff-Sommers cited polling data showing that while 34% of American women believe that abortion is morally acceptable, 51% of American women believe that abortion is morally wrong. “The nation is engaged in a contentious argument over a moral dilemma,” said Hoff Sommers, who identified herself as pro-choice. “I find it appalling that there is such a disregard for what is in fact a majority of our countrymen who view it differently, and some passionately. Rather than attack them as somehow engaged in some kind of dark conspiracy against women’s bodies, we have to understand why they hold these positions… and why it’s not going away as a moral question.”}} | ||
In fact, the only time Sommers says anything supporting women's rights is when she's chiding feminists for not doing more for women in developing countries. Not that she ever speaks about those things herself, or does any advocacy. She just uses it to attack "gender feminists", which is no different from the other [[MRA|MRAs]]. | In fact, the only time Sommers says anything supporting women's rights is when she's chiding feminists for not doing more for women in developing countries. Not that she ever speaks about those things herself, or does any advocacy. She just uses it to attack "gender feminists", which is no different from the other [[MRA|MRAs]]. | ||
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==Footnotes== | ==Footnotes== | ||
Revision as of 19:11, 14 December 2014
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Christina Hoff Sommers is a self-declared feminist author, and philosopher, who personally coined the term "equity feminist", so she could call herself a feminist. She was notable for her work advancing the feminist movement in the 70s and 80s, before making an abrupt about-turn, splitting with mainstream feminist thought in more modern times, in favour of her more classical liberal view on gender equality.[1] Those who don't subscribe to her brand of feminism are now denounced by her as "gender feminists".
Contents |
Career and credentials
Christina Sommers earned her B.A. from New York University, and her Ph.D in Philosophy from Brandeis University. She is also a board member of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and a member of the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute. Her writings also appeared on the MRA website A Voice for Men[2]
Views on contemporary feminism
Ms. Sommers has taken a critical stance on contemporary feminism, and published two books, Who Stole Feminism, and The War Against Boys, both which claim that modern feminism, by viewing societal constructs on privilege and power through a gender-based lens, has abandoned gender equality for a nebulously defined "justice", that does more harm than good. In particular, her second book, The War Against Boys makes it explicit the damage she believes contemporary feminism is doing, and identifies a generation of vilified males as the victim. However, examined carefully, Sommers's case does not hold up well. She persistently misrepresents scholarly debate, ignores evidence that contradicts her assertions, and directs intense scrutiny at studies she opposes while giving a free critical ride to research she supports.[3]
On the AAUW
Sommers harshly criticizes women's organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in her book Who Stole Feminism, in conservative publications like The National Review, and in public forums. She writes of the AAUW:
“”The American Association of University Women (AAUW) issued two reports in the early Nineties that were harmfully wrong. AAUW researchers claimed to show how "our gender biased" classrooms were damaging the self-esteem of the nation’s girls and holding them back academically. That was simply not true... If the AAUW were serious about improving the climate on campus, it could start by looking for ways to reason with the V-Day enthusiasts to discourage their antics... Campuses need effective policies against genuine harassment. They do not need the divisive gender politics of the AAUW spin sisters. The AAUW’s statistically challenged, chronically mistaken, and relentlessly male-averse "studies" should not be taken seriously.
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Sommer's criticisms prompted a response by the AAUW:
“”Unfortunately, Who Stole Feminism? is not about making positive societal change or changing behavior to create a more equitable society for women and girls. Rather, AAUW perceives the book to be an attack on scholars, women's organizations, and higher education. Contrary to what Sommers contends, there is nothing in any of our research about terms she uses—domination, subjugation, victimization, or oppression... Ours is not a radical agenda despite Sommers' characterization of AAUW. We are about positive societal change... Our research looks for solutions and is based on facts, not anecdotes or soundbites. The important thing to remember is that this debate is not about AAUW; it's about the children in this country. What is important is that our daughters and sons reach their full potential.[4]
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On affirmative action
Christina Sommers has a particular dislike of the methods used to promote the percentage-values of women in traditionally male dominated fields. On the contentious application of Title IX in relation to female representation in STEM, she says
“”Title IX programs in the sciences could stigmatize women and cheapen their hard-earned achievements
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On abortion
What about reproductive rights, one of the major legal battles for feminism? She has nothing at all to say about the rollback of rights in states across the nation. She is nominally pro-choice, but only discusses abortion and contraception in these terms, from right before the 2012 election:[6]
“”When the debate turned to abortion rights, Hoff-Sommers cited polling data showing that while 34% of American women believe that abortion is morally acceptable, 51% of American women believe that abortion is morally wrong. “The nation is engaged in a contentious argument over a moral dilemma,” said Hoff Sommers, who identified herself as pro-choice. “I find it appalling that there is such a disregard for what is in fact a majority of our countrymen who view it differently, and some passionately. Rather than attack them as somehow engaged in some kind of dark conspiracy against women’s bodies, we have to understand why they hold these positions… and why it’s not going away as a moral question.”
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In fact, the only time Sommers says anything supporting women's rights is when she's chiding feminists for not doing more for women in developing countries. Not that she ever speaks about those things herself, or does any advocacy. She just uses it to attack "gender feminists", which is no different from the other MRAs.
Footnotes
- ↑ Sommers, C. (1994). Who stole feminism?: How women have betrayed women (p. 22). New York: Simon & Schuster.
- ↑ Christina Hoff Sommers Joins the Hate Site A Voice for Men.
- ↑ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/books/reviews/waragainstboys0703.htm The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men; Reviewed by E. Anthony Rotundo, who is the author of "American Manhood: Transformations in Masculinity from the Revolution to the Modern Era." He also teaches at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass.] Washington Post; July 2, 2000
- ↑ American Association of University Women Memorandum March 1995
- ↑ Houppert, Karen (November 7, 2002). "Wanted: a Few Good Girls". The Nation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2012. Retrieved 2012-02-01.
- ↑ [1]