There was a battle for the soul of feminism in the 80s and 90s. As an equity feminist from the 70s, I see this as a setback for feminism-and for women.
Their primary focus is not equality with men-but rather protection from them. They demand trigger warnings, safe spaces, and micro-aggression monitoring. Fainting-couchers view women as psychically fragile and prone to trauma. But on today’s campus, equity feminism has been eclipsed by fainting-couch feminism. Can you explain how it came to this? Where does the modern movement have its origins, and why is it the way it is today?Ĭhristina Hoff Sommers (CHS): I am a strong supporter of classical equity feminism - the sort of feminism that won women the vote, educational opportunities, and many other freedoms. The Dartmouth Review (TDR): Much of your writing has to do with the warped state of modern feminism.
Sommers to gain some insight on her perspective on modern-day gender movements and feminist controversy. She also hosts a video blog entitled The Factual Feminist. She is the author of several books including Who Stole Feminism? and The War Against Boys. (Photograph courtesy of American Enterprise Institute)Įditor’s Note: Christina Hoff Sommers is a well-known former philosophy professor and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. Christina Hoff Sommers poses for her fans.