What does postfeminism mean?
Postfeminism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by a rejection of the radical feminism of the 1960s and 1970s and a focus on individualism, consumerism, and personal choice. It emphasizes the importance of women's empowerment through education and career advancement, but is often criticized for its focus on individualism and consumerism. Postfeminism is often associated with the rise of neoliberalism and the decline of traditional feminist movements. It has been influential in shaping contemporary feminist thought and practice, but its legacy is complex and contested. Postfeminism has been criticized for its lack of attention to issues of intersectionality and its focus on individualism, but it has also been praised for its emphasis on personal choice and empowerment. Overall, postfeminism is a complex and multifaceted movement that continues to shape contemporary feminist thought and practice.
nounA cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by a rejection of the radical feminism of the 1960s and 1970s and a focus on individualism, consumerism, and personal choice.
- A cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by a rejection of the radical feminism of the 1960s and 1970s and a focus on individualism, consumerism, and personal choice.
"The postfeminist movement emphasized the importance of women's empowerment through education and career advancement."
"The postfeminist movement emphasized the importance of women's empowerment through education and career advancement."
"The postfeminist ideology is often criticized for its focus on individualism and consumerism."
The plural form postfeminisms is often used to describe multiple postfeminist movements or ideologies.
"The postfeminisms of the 1980s and 1990s emphasized different aspects of women's empowerment."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of postfeminism
The term postfeminism emerged in the 1980s, as a response to the radical feminism of the 1960s and 1970s. It is often associated with the rise of neoliberalism and the decline of traditional feminist movements. The term postfeminism is derived from the prefix 'post-', which means 'after' or 'beyond', and the word 'feminism', which refers to the movement for women's rights and equality.
Usage notes
Postfeminism is often used to describe a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by a rejection of the radical feminism of the 1960s and 1970s and a focus on individualism, consumerism, and personal choice. It is often associated with the rise of neoliberalism and the decline of traditional feminist movements.