Aim Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
“What we need is a tough new kind of feminism with no illusions. Women do not change institutions simply by assimilating into them. We need a feminism that teaches a woman to say no - not just to the date rapist or overly insistent boyfriend but, when necessary, to the military or corporate hierarchy within which she finds herself. We need a kind of feminism that aims not just to assimilate into the institutions that men have created over the centuries, but to infiltrate and subvert them.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The New Feminism," 1995
She calls for a radical feminism that empowers women to say no to oppressive structures, not just personal threats, urging subversion of male‑dominated institutions.
In simple terms: Feminism should teach women to reject oppressive systems, not just personal advances.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate assertiveness against systemic oppression.
Themes
feminism
empowerment
social change
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
activist
inspirational
When to use this quote
- workplace negotiations
- military service
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
gender
power dynamics
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can individuals effectively challenge entrenched hierarchies?
- What strategies help women say no in professional settings?
A Different Perspective
Implementing such feminism may face strong institutional resistance.
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