Class Quote by Shulamith Firestone
“The 'natural' is not necessarily a 'human' value. Humanity has begun to transcend nature: we can no longer justify the maintenance of a discriminatory sex class system on grounds of its origins in nature. Indeed, for pragmatic reasons alone it is beginning to look as if we must get rid of it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Dialectic of Sex, 1970
The quote argues that natural arguments cannot justify gender discrimination and that society should move beyond biological determinism.
In simple terms: Nature isn’t a valid excuse for gender inequality.
Key Takeaway
Reject biological determinism in gender policy.
Themes
gender equality
natural arguments
human rights
social progress
philosophy
Mood
critical
inspirational
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- education curricula
- activist campaigns
- legal challenges
Key Concepts
feminist theory
ethics
social constructionism
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative foundations can support gender equality?
- How can societies shift from naturalistic to egalitarian values?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated cultural beliefs is difficult.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
