Why is feminism important for democracy? In its latest episode, The Graduate Center, CUNY podcast “The Thought Project” discusses this and other questions with sociologist Lynn Chancer, professor at Hunter College and The Graduate Center, CUNY. In her new book, After the Rise and Stall of American Feminism – Taking Back a Revolution, Chancer takes stock of 50 years of American feminist movement.
Chancer identifies basic inequalities — political, economic, educational — that have contributed to the stalling of feminism in America. At the same time, the focus on intersectionality and a newfound diversity in feminist voices have her hopeful that the revolution actually can be taken back.
For democracy, this is good news, not at least because more equitable access for women would mean more fairness in political participation. Chancer points to the recent midterm elections and the success of female candidates in the Democratic party to underscore this point.