feminism
UK: ˈfem.ɪ.nɪ.zəm | US: ˈfem.ə.nɪ.zəm
n. Advocacy for women's rights and gender equality, based on the belief in social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
n. A movement or ideology aimed at challenging and dismantling systemic gender-based oppression.
feminism = femin<woman> + ism<ideology/movement>
- femin<woman>: Derived from Latin femina (woman), retaining the core spelling "femin" in modern usage.
- ism<ideology/movement>: A suffix from Greek -ismos, denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Etymology Origin:
The term feminism emerged in the late 19th century, combining femin- (rooted in Latin femina) with -ism to articulate a structured movement advocating for women's rights. The Latin femina evolved through Old French (femme) into English, while -ism became a productive suffix for ideologies (e.g., socialism). The fusion reflects a deliberate linguistic framing of gender equality as a systemic cause.
Feminism seeks to address historical inequalities faced by women.
Her research focuses on the intersection of feminism and environmental justice.
Early feminism in the 19th century campaigned for women's suffrage.
Critics often misunderstand feminism as opposing men rather than advocating equality.
Modern feminism emphasizes inclusivity across race, class, and sexuality.