Conservative Feminism : In Conversation with a Feminist Student

Bridging the Feminist Gap:

Photo by Lindsey LaMont on Unsplash

Feminism prevails as a social movement that can often feel to be misrepresented and misunderstood. However, it’s not always from people that don’t identify as feminists that feminists can feel alienated from. With increasing polarity in the political world and high tensions running through parties including the Conservative and Labour parties in the UK, feminists feel alienated from one another depending on their political leaning. It is for this reason more important than ever to support other women’s voices and take the time and care to listen.

Although feminism may seem to be simple in its core values and principles as a movement. Moreover, it is made up of numerous varying groups within, differing in beliefs, goals, theories, and methodology. To name a few, within feminism there exists Marxist, Liberal, Radical, and Intersectional/Black feminists. The attitude to which these different groups of feminists take to what the root of patriarchal oppression or whom it affects the most differs widely. For example, Marxist feminists see class as being an oppressive force to women in society as much as it affects men too.

Black and intersectional feminists see race as the underlying root of the oppression faced by women and men. Black feminists like Moya Bailey have coined the term: misogynoir. Something of which is completely specific and quite unique to this branch of feminism. Misogynoir being the double bias of which black women face in society from both their gender and race. Thus there arise many complexities within the movement that shape and define a plurality of ways in which people who identify as feminists view the world. Individual and personal challenges and experiences shape a multitude of outlets in feminism as a movement, so it is important to note that there is no one road to being a feminist.

I got the chance to interview an anonymous student who identified themself as a conservative feminist and discussed their views and beliefs.

Interview conducted by: Clara Morate

Conducted on: 20th November 2020

Edited by: Subheksha Acharya

Clara: What is feminism to you? Do you identify as a feminist? If yes, why? and If no, why?

Student: I view feminism as equality of the sexes in all spheres, political, economic, social, etc. Thereby, of course, I identify as a feminist as I feel equality is an important gesture in regards to female identity.

Clara: What do you personally think of third-wave feminism at this moment? Do you have any issues with it or have great things to say about third-wave feminism.

Student: I support any feminist movement as it promotes equality between genders.

Clara: Why do you believe in Conservative government?

Student: If you are referring to the current government, I believe they are doing their best given the current circumstances.

Clara: Do you have any Conservative role models? If yes, who and why?

Student: Not necessarily because of political views, but both Thatcher and May as female Prime Ministers did a lot for feminism in the UK, even just in the sense of setting a precedent for future generations.

Clara: What do you believe Conservative politics or policies can do for women and feminism?

Student: I believe the party supports equal opportunity for women, and from my experience they highly value inclusivity and diversity. However, I believe that much more needs to be done to fix many of the disparities that exist across the United Kingdom.

Clara: In your experience how intersectional is Conservative feminism?

Student: I think within the party, there are various opportunities for involvement, but personally, I do not have a lot of experience.

Clara: What is it like being a young Conservative when seemingly the majority are left-leaning?

Student: I think the most important thing is that I’ve learned a lot from people of different viewpoints that has either made me reconsider some of my views on topics from knowing more about them or reinforce my views in other areas. At times it can be quite hostile, especially with how strongly opinionated I have experienced some people to be, they hear ‘Conservative’ and then won’t speak to you. I’ll admit, oftentimes when asked political viewpoints in seminars, for example, I’ll just keep quiet to avoid hostility. However, I value speaking to people with different views and understanding different politics, I think it’s really important.

Clara: As a conservative feminist do you have any priority or a thing that you would change right now or work towards?

Student: I think a lot still needs to be done, but both improving education on gender inequalities and addressing the gender pay gap.

Clara: What was your reaction to Kamala Harris being the Vice President-Elect for the next US presidency?

Student: I think the election result was a great achievement for both America and the rest of the world. Harris will certainly inspire many women, I think it was incredible, and I feel they will do a lot to support a feminist movement, that they chose a minority woman, not just a woman.

Clara: Do you believe that more right-wing feminists are held to a different standard than left-wing feminists?

Student: I would hope that as feminists, whatever side of the political spectrum you align to, everyone is striving for the same standards of equality.

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The above interview highlights the core principles of the feminist movement that are evident to all feminists regardless of social class, race, gender, background as that being equality in its most fundamental and simplistic terms.

2020 has been a divisive year in all regards, politically and physically. With the pandemic causing physical separation and politics splitting us even further along the spectrums, it is becoming clear that even with social movements disenfranchisement is an all too often experience. In a social movement such as feminism where the core principle is to ensure the equal opportunities and rights of any one person regardless of their gender and sex, it is saddening to hear the experience of young feminists that feel unwelcome in a space that in principle is a safe space for all. This is just one of many reasons why being able to engage with feminists across all backgrounds, classes, races, ages, professions, faiths, etc hence that our society can bridge the gaps. Perhaps 2021 would observe a more unified feminist movement that would be able to make space for all who wish to push the movement forward.