Gloria Steinem: 'If you say, I'm for equal pay, that's a reform. But if you say. I'm a feminist, that's a transformation of society.'

If you say, I'm for equal pay, that's a reform. But if you say. I'm a feminist, that's a transformation of society.

In the famous words of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, "If you say, I'm for equal pay, that's a reform. But if you say, I'm a feminist, that's a transformation of society." This quote captures the essence of the feminist movement and highlights the distinction between surface-level changes and profound societal shifts. Steinem suggests that advocating for equal pay is an important step towards achieving gender equality, but being a feminist entails a broader and more profound revolution that touches every aspect of our lives. To delve deeper into the significance of this quote, let's explore an unexpected philosophical concept - existentialism - and compare its central theme with the ideas presented by Steinem.Existentialism, a philosophical perspective which gained prominence in the twentieth century, focuses on the individual's freedom, responsibility, and search for meaning in an apparently absurd and chaotic world. One of its core tenets is the idea of personal authenticity, wherein individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their actions and choices, thereby shaping their own destiny. The concept of authenticity shares similarities with the transformative power of feminism highlighted by Steinem.When we examine the core values of feminism, we find that it aligns with the existentialist notion of personal authenticity. Feminism urges individuals to embrace their own agency, challenge patriarchal norms, and actively participate in dismantling systemic oppression. By identifying as feminists, individuals proclaim their commitment to not only fighting for gender equality but also participating in a profound societal shift that challenges the existing power structures. Like authenticity in existentialism, feminism encourages individuals to question the status quo and actively engage in the process of shaping a more equitable society.Interestingly, both existentialism and feminism acknowledge the existence of societal structures that may hinder individual freedom and limit one's agency. Existentialist philosophy recognizes the "bad faith" that occurs when an individual succumbs to external expectations and fails to take responsibility for their own existence. Similarly, feminism highlights the role of patriarchal systems and societal constructs in perpetuating gender inequality. Both perspectives recognize the importance of critical self-reflection and identifying the oppressive forces that shape our lives.Nonetheless, there are some differences between existentialism and feminism. Existentialism is primarily concerned with the individual's personal quest for meaning within the absurdity of existence. On the other hand, feminism is a collective movement that aims to challenge and transform the societal structures that perpetuate gender inequality. While existentialism focuses on individual authenticity, feminism seeks to address systemic injustice and promote social change through collective action.Returning to Steinem's quote, it becomes clear that she sees feminism as more than just advocacy for equality. It is a call for a profound transformation of society, one that challenges deep-rooted patriarchal norms and inspires individuals to examine their own complicity in perpetuating inequality. By embracing feminism, individuals not only push for equal pay but also commit to challenging and changing the power dynamics that govern our social, political, and economic spheres.In conclusion, Gloria Steinem's quote encapsulates the distinction between simple reforms and transformative societal change. While equal pay is an important reform in the pursuit of gender equality, feminism goes beyond surface-level changes and calls for a profound transformation of society. Drawing a parallel to existentialism, we find that feminism shares a similar ethos of personal authenticity and the acknowledgment of societal structures that hinder individual agency. By identifying as feminists, individuals commit to participating in a collective movement that challenges and revolutionizes the very fabric of our society. Embracing feminism is not merely a statement of support for equal rights, but a call to actively engage with the transformative journey towards a more just and equitable world.