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language, set of theories and a vocabulary all its own as cited in Setyorini, 2009 p.9
2. Feminism a. Feminism in general
Montagu 1958 says that in the society there is a conditioned norm, which states what women can do and cannot do. In almost every society there is a belief
that men are superior and women are inferior, women also think that belief is right, because it believes as what really happens p.23. They are not given the
chances to develop their intelligence and skills and they have different opportunities from men p.38. The statement means that women are conditioned
as weak creatures . Women‟s position is always under men‟s position in every
aspect of life. According to Montagu people believe that women do not have abilities to
do the work better than men. Therefore, feminism believes that women and men‟s position in society is the result of social factors, not natural or biological factors.
Feminism tries to see women to be equal to men. Feminism theory reveals the importance of women‟s individual and shares experiences and women struggles.
Women struggle for equal opportunities and for equal rights. Women try to fight against unfair condition and strive for their rights p.40.
Harley states men from one generation to the next generation exploit women. Gender discrimination is a great burden for women, because they have to
face the idea of gender discrimination and men‟s attitude toward women, which is
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conditioned from time to time. Women are not only physically oppressed but also mentally oppressed as cited in Setyorini,2009 p.15
Fakih 1996 explains about the feminist struggle. The most important thing about feminist struggle is finding out the equality, dignity and freedom. The ideas
of feminism are:
1 Equality
The definition of feminism deals with both equal rights for women and in a way to create a world for women beyond social equality. All human beings are
born free, have equal dignity and rights. Men and women should have equal rights. In the equality, there is no difference between human beings. Leclerq
1942 in his book says Like the man, the woman is a human person, with all the dignity of a
human being. But she is a human person in another manner than man. She has, therefore, the same right to seek after her perfection. Yet she is
different, and as a consequence her personality unfolds itself under other conditions. The rule of equality between man and woman is a rule of
differentiated equality. The woman not only has an equal right with the man to the full development of her being; she has an equal right to develop
herself in different way. To impose man‟s manner of life upon the woman, or to give her the same status, is to violate her right, which is to be
different from him p.292.
2 Liberty
Women have the right to live, work and feel free. Women have their own freedom and rights to do anything they want. The main point is that women are
born free and equal to men. They are supposed to be subjected to men. Therefore, women no longer put up with being dependent on men. Leclerq states that
Physically the woman is smaller and weaker than the man. Nevertheless, in certain forms of activity she displays greater power of resistance, thanks
to her more affective nature. Feeling plays a greater role in the woman
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