Feminism and Multiculturalism for Women Essay

Defining feminism and multiculturalism according to Okin’s article

Is multiculturalism bad for women? This paper intends to clarify the issues that are raised due to feminism and multiculturalism and explore if multiculturalism is beneficial to the women. However, before we even go further we have to understand what is multiculturalism and feminism. Okin has the idea that women ought not to be disadvantaged by their sex in explaining feminism. She further explains that women should be treated equally with men when it comes to recognizing their human dignity and should receive equal opportunities to live freely just as the men do. In explaining multiculturalism, her main concern is the minority cultures that do not protect their member’s rights but rather let the special group rights protect them (Okin, 1999).

Why certain minority cultures deserve special group rights according to Kymlicka

Kymlicka argues that the minority groups should form large special groups because they will be reducing the chances of extinction. He further argues that the special groups that are formed will be easier to deal with the smaller cultures and their culture will not be lost in these special groups. He also says the formation of special groups gives harmony even in the modern democratic states. The harmony that these groups bring is important in keeping all the groups in contact with their culture. It is said Americans do not have a culture of their own. This may not be true because many people have migrated to the United States and they bring their culture along with them. This puts the United States as a rights special group because it carries different minority cultures in it (Kymlicka, 1995).

Okin’s critique of such special rights

Okin criticizes such special rights for two main reasons. Firstly, they indulge the cultural groups in having more interest in the differences among and between groups rather than focusing on the differences that are within them. Secondly, special rights groups have a low interest in the individualism of the different cultures that form the special rights groups. She insists that individuals need a culture that belongs to them only because in such settings, the individuals develop their self-esteem resulting to them having a clear vision of what they want their lives. Cultures are the foundation of the formation of family life to be formed and she criticizes that the special groups can kill the formation of culture-oriented families (Okin, 1999).

The liberal response to Okin’s critique

In Okin’s article, she notes that women are overlooked when it comes to decision-making. Many cultures favor men over women and it was not an issue that started in the recent past but it has been here since the biblical times. Okin openly a states that even though there is a lot of proof showing that women are undermined in different cultures, little has been done to rectify the situation. Kymlicka is Okin’s major critic and in his arguments, he advocates for group rights, which are rooted in individual rights. He also says that a minority culture that chooses to form a special rights group ought to govern itself by recognizing the liberal principles. Okin criticizes this fact by saying that group rights may result to oppression because discrimination of other cultures may occur. Kymlicka objects giving group rights the authority over the minority culture that practice open sex discrimination. Okin says that people who defend group rights should tackle these private culture to protect the different cultures that are in the special group rights. This will ensure that the cultures bring up girls who are not afraid to achieve what they are required to achieve. She also states that it is important to develop self-respect in all the different cultures.

The solution Okin offers

Women are discriminated against across many cultures. Cultures may not be able to eradicate this discrimination but a clear way to start is by giving special care to women and girls even though the men will still benefit. The foundation of liberalism is having an interest in all the minority cultures that are put together to form the larger special group. Not only should men occupy the top positions of the group but also the women should be given a chance so that there can be some equality in the group.

The tension between women’s interest and multiculturalism (own experience)

Women are affected in cultures in various ways. For instance, in the Muslim culture women are required to remain as virgins until they are married but no attention is given to men. As I was walking down the streets one day, I came across a group of Muslims who were claiming that a certain girl had committed adultery. At that point, I kept on wandering to myself why they were questioning the girl alone yet it takes two fornicate. I pitied the girl because she had to face the consequences of her actions alone. Yet, I do not mean that she should have not been reprimanded but they would have taken into consideration both parties.

Evaluating Okin’s criticism of multiculturalism

In the good faith of avoiding the extinction of the minority cultures, then the special groups would be a better alternative. People may say the United States does not have a culture but the various immigrants have carried their culture to the country making it a land of diverse cultures. In some way to reduce feminism, multiculturalism may be considered because it brings different cultures together.

Conclusion

On a final note, multiculturalism is bad for women. Despite the fact that multiculturalism brings different cultures together, many the cultures underestimate women. Dealing with equality on feminism should be addressed from the root of every culture. That is the only appropriate way in dealing with feminism.

Reference List

Kymlicka W. (1995). Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights (1^st ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Okin S. M. (1999). Is multiculturalism bad for women? (1^st ed.). New Jersey: Princeton University Press.