Backlash and Antifeminism:

"The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."
Pat Robinson

What is the Antifeminism/Profamily movement?

It is a movement that evolved in the mid 80s-90s in response to the feminist movement of the 70s, and is especially powerful within the Republican Party. Members of this movement believe that:

-                     growing divorce rates are the fault of feminists who leave their husbands and children behind in favor of work and gender equity

-                     that there is a fundamental difference between the sexes, and that each gender has different jobs to which it is best adapted

-                     that feminism fails to represent and to address the needs and concerns of the majority of women

-                     that the battle against sexism has been won, so feminists are now fighting an imaginary enemy

-                     feminists encourage women to take part in a cult of victimization, to revel in their status as victims of violence and sexual abuse

Who are antifeminists?

-                     many of antifeminist organizations also have religious ties, such as Christians for Biblical Equality and the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

-                     there are, however, several non-religious antifeminist organizations, for example, the Independent Women's Forum, and the Women's Freedom Network

-                     These organizations use buzzwords, like freedom, independence and empowerment, to persuade women that they share the same goals as feminism, but that their methods are more effective and better reflect the needs of your average woman

-                     One of the most prominent antifeminists is Phyllis Schlafly, a lawyer and politician, and founder of the Eagle Forum organization, which campaigns for conservative issues

What actions have antifeminists taken?

-                     they were a significant part of a campaign called Stop the ERA, in which the goal was to prevent the passing of the Equal

          Rights Amendment (they took this position on the belief that the ERA would abolish alimony, legalize gay marriage, and because they believed that gender discrimination was not an issue)