The Fight For Feminism: Has it Been "Won?"

"A Re-Invitation to Feminist Research" - Sharlene Hesse-Biber

What is is about the term "feminist" that seems to frightening to people, even women? Is it that the term brings along with it baggage? Resentment towards men, a full time 9-5 job, and of course the infamous bra burning in public. All of these have been associated with the feminist ideal before; however, the encompassing term of feminist is based on the ideal of equality and equity. 

In the quest for achieving equality, women may feel the effects of oppressive actions. Hesse-Biber states, "Because they are structurally oppressed in relation to the dominant group (men), women have access to a more enhanced and more nuanced understanding of social reality than men" (6).  Unfortunately, we are still in a society where the oppressors and oppressed can be identified. No, not all cases are equally public or universally known; however, each type has validity and a need for solution. 

So when doing assessment on college campuses, wouldn't we want those with  "more nuanced understandings of social reality" voicing their opinions in the drafting process? Wouldn't we want them to recognize potential bias we may overlook? While the scholars and administration have the tools necessary to effectively execute an assessment project, having an on-the-ground perspective might bring more accurate and authentic responses. 

The author also states that "one can be an outsider in one social context, while being an insider in another" (7). Why is this? My initial thought is that some sort of choice is made in this process. Does the choice reflect the individual's feelings or does society tell he or she what is important to focus on? On what can be a second thought? Each person is comprised of multiple identities; all of which the person accepts at some point in his or her life, hopefully. 

I'm going to move to the idea of reflexivity. Researchers use it to recognize the context of their personal experiences and how that might influence the work they do. I think we should take a page from these researchers' peer-viewed books and treat our interactions with one in a similar way.  Gone should be the days of "all men do 'x'" or "other women are so catty with one another". Regardless of the amount of rain, we shouldn't try to fit everyone under the same umbrella. The differences we have from another are important to notice if equality really is the goal.