Unlike Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, to some people Palin is a feminist contradiction: ambitious working mother and right wing conservative. McCain’s unknown vice presidential nominee forced men and women, conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats to review their own definition of true feminism.
Palin and Feminism
Sarah Palin’s mixed bag of unflinching pro-life beliefs combined with her successful, high profile political career and growing family of five, had conservatives applauding, traditional stay at home advocates unsure, and classic feminists horrified.
Palin stirred the feminist pot, re-igniting discussions of which ideals define a "true" feminist. As a highly successful leader, working mother, member of Feminists for Life, a group who believes in the “strength of women and the potential of human life,” Palin presents a real conundrum.
Does simply fighting for gender equality make a woman a feminist or is fighting for freedom of choice an uncompromising requirement?
Whether someone agrees with Palin’s views or not, she told the world who she was without offering a single apology. She may be an example of “choice feminism,” a term coined by lawyer and scholar Linda R. Hirshman, to mean, "a woman could work, stay home, have 10 children or one, marry or stay single." "It all counted as 'feminist' as long as she chose it."
Palin’s version of feminine power is likely the mark of authentic female empowerment to some although pro-choice advocates don't see equality and reproductive choice as flowing from separate rivers. To them it's all or nothing. To insist on equal pay, to support mothers who work rather than to scold them for "leaving the children" as some traditionalists might, is where conservative and liberals can try to meet in the middle. Yet, bring up the issue of abortion and suddenly who has the right to decide is up for debate.
Gloria Steinem Sees Palin's Value to Patriarchs
Palin's mixed bag identity is sign of a changing political landscape as an increasing number of voters may begin to define themselves not by a single party platform, but by a buffet of issues and personal beliefs. With Palin showing up as an unflinching conservative with traditional values that don’t “disqualify” her from pursuing a demanding profession outside the home, her image will likely be viewed as a monumental breakthrough for some women, and a complete disaster to others.
"Sarah Palin represents a new feminism," suggests talk show host Laura Ingraham, "and there is no bigger threat to the elites in this country than a woman who lives her conservative convictions."
Meanwhile woman’s rights activist Gloria Steinem sees nothing feminist-like about Sarah Palin. “Palin’s value to those patriarchs is clear: She opposes just about every issue that women support by a majority or plurality,” says Steinem in her September 4th Los Angeles Times op-ed, “Palin: wrong woman, wrong message.”
Sarah Palin's Paradox Presents Threat to Women
Palin’s Paradox highlights that what qualifies as support for women's rights is still ultimately determined by religious dogma. Yet a true feminist, traditional or otherwise, must have the choice to opt in or out of every arena men do, including the highly emotional and sensitive issue of reproduction.
Palin's appearance should serve as no real threat to women because she is merely an interesting political figure who incites, confounds or inspires. Yet if she works her influence and image to remove the reproductive rights that have long been afforded women, she can no longer claim to stand for any form of equality - workplace or otherwise. The rights women fight to keep, as well as the ones they're still trying to level, are inextricably tied to one another.
If a woman opts out of getting an abortion if she becomes pregnant, she still retains the power she was born with. Should she however, loose her legal right to review and act on all her reproductive options, she instantly abandons all her power. There is simply no middle ground. Unless Palin accepts that this assumption must remain at the core of what defines woman's equality, she can never represent any version of feminine power no matter how powerful she appears to be.
Additional Reading:
“A feminist appalled by Palin.” Sarah Selzter. The Huffington Post. Posted 8/29/2008. Accessed 9/3/2008
“Sarah Palin's 'new feminism' is hailed.” Robin Abcarian. Los Angeles Times. Posted 9/4/2008. Accessed 9/4/2008.
Laura Owens - Laura Owens has a B.S. in Psychology from Rollins College & U of FL. She is a freelance writer with expertise in motivation & wellness.
Join the Conversation