Feminist Theory: Feminist Theory

Feminist Theory Feminist theory is derived from feminism, a complex doctrine that has been defined in many different ways (Chodorow, 1978). Hooks (2000) believes that without a consensus regarding a definition, that the foundation on which feminism was built is not fully clear. Nonetheless, several individuals have stepped forward to offer their ideologies and principles regarding feminist theory. Gender is a broad, multicultural issue (Hooks, 2000). The term has traditionally been used to understand the differences between men and women. Scharf (1995) indicated that gender should also be used to identify individual differences among men and women (as cited in Stewart and McDermott, 2004, p. 436). Benjamin (1995) however, feels that there

The author indicates that along with positive feelings and thoughts about parenthood, there is a degree of anxiety about the changes this life experience will bring about. Chodorow (2003) also supports this concept of ambivalence. The author describes how a constellation of fantasies and defenses that are unconscious, can delay childbearing. Women, who use feminism or career-based reasons for delaying motherhood, do so based upon their psychic realities and the behaviors these realities have generated. Anxiety around uncertainty of roles, career delays, and how the quality of significant relationships in their lives will be affected by the arrival of a child, can unconsciously lead to a delay in preparing for motherhood (Wischmann, 2003). Women feel that the struggles they are experiencing with becoming a mother and those who may be hurt in the process (spouse and/or other family members) is their

In a study, Lloyd (1996) found that male infertility is perceived as more stigmatizing than female infertility. Men are reluctant to discuss male infertility, viewing it as a sign of their lack of virility and potency. As a result of these issues, Miall (1986) found that to alleviate this burden of feeling of impotence, some wives have gone as far as utilizing courtesy stigma, where the woman identifies herself as being infertile in order to spare her husband the shame and guilt. Self-labeling infertility allows protects the husband from the stigmatizing effects of sexual dysfunction.

Unlike other peer researchers, Tyler May (1995) found that men possess very strong feelings about being infertile that they were willing to express. Male participants expressed feeling unworthy, bitter, and useless because they could not contribute to society via reproduction. One male participant expressed, “ ‘that one term (infertile) transformed this budding stud into a wimp.’ And when he learned that the quality of his semen was “borderline”, I was shattered. My voice went up two octaves.’ “ (p.