Feminists or "postfeminists"? Young Women's Attitudes toward Feminism and Gender Relations

Abstract

In contrast to popular presumptions and prior research on women of the "postfeminist" generation, this study found an appreciation for recent historical changes in women's opportunities, and an awareness of persisting inequalities and discrimination. The findings reveal support for feminist goals, coupled with ambiguity about the concept of feminism. Although some of the women could be categorized along a continaum of feminist identification, half were "fence-sitters" or were unable to articulate a position. There were variations in perspectives among those with different life experiences, as well as by racial and class background.