"I am a feminist, but....": the meaning and relevance of feminism to young women in the 1990s

Abstract

It is now over twenty years since the second wave of feminism emerged in New Zealand with the aim of creating improvement in the status of women within society. In the 1990s some commentators argue, that we are now in a 'post-feminist' era where feminism is redundant. Accordingly, this thesis investigates the meaning and relevance of feminism to contemporary young women. Findings are based on in-depth interviews with 11 urban Pakeha women between the ages of 18 and 28 years. Despite shifting perceptions as to what feminism means, the findings reveal that feminism remains a necessary and important force in the lives of young women today with eight identifying themselves as feminists. The greater freedom and opportunities that these women enjoy in the wake of second wave feminism paradoxically means that many do not personally experience gender as a significant issue. They now take for granted structures and systems put in place by second wave feminism. While the need for a collective organised feminist movement seemed unnecessary to many of these women, all still experienced ongoing gender inequality in the 1990s. Even though all felt there was still a need to further women's position, many preferred to do this on an individual level, in their own lives and in their own ways. These findings have implications for feminist social work practice in the 1990s and indicate that feminist social work practice has a significant role to play in furthering equality for women. At the same time, the different attitudes, aspirations and experiences of today's young women need to be recognised if feminist social work is to be effective.