When we are being exposed to the internet we often encounter posts and phrases such as: “ 15 feminine activities to enjoy with your girls”, or “The heels of our stilettos will stomp out the patriarchy”. At first glance this type of expression may seem empowering; however in it lies a term called choice feminism. Unlike what its name suggests, it withdraws women from the actual goal of feminism. “Choice feminism is the belief that individual choices of a woman are inherently feminist”,so if a woman picks to be a stay at home mother her decision is inherently feminist, just because she is making a choice.This belief clearly ignores the fact that being able to choose isn't something that all women may take for granted. Even if as women you are privileged enough to make your own decisions, the internalized misogyny in society may affect which path in your life you´ll follow.

 

Choice feminism appears from a fear towards feminism, in which it is viewed as too judgmental and radical. It ignores that any political movement will judge, exclude, or advocate for reforms. From that ignorance choice feminism will try to not alienate anyone, nevertheless by doing so it ends up going against what feminism is trying to promote. It reinforces beliefs such as: “Feminists hate makeup, fashion, and femininity” , by acting as if the movement is made to oppress women from doing activities that are considered feminine. After years of fighting against the subjection of women we started going backwards. We forgot that the goal was liberation and started looking for complacency.

 

That search for approval on most occasions is unconscious and therefore so dangerous. In many cultures the definition of a good woman refers to having compliance with men. Those beliefs are so rooted in our societal set ups that it is almost impossible to notice when we are following them. 

 

“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for.”

― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

 

This quote from a book published 157 years ago portrays an ongoing resistance against misogynistic judgments. So if we´ve been hoping to be free, why are we going backwards? We are constantly flooded with information, most of it is capitalist propaganda whose only purpose is to manipulate women´s discernment. Through choice feminism the system is strengthened by masking sexist ideals as feminism. A society in which the only way of being feminist is by having enough privilege to make the decision of not working, or using simple makeup. Ignoring the inability of some women to have the narrative of their choice and excluding them even more from society.

 

So no, choice feminism isn't the answer, but neither is judging a woman for shaving her legs. As a civilization it is common to have internalized misogyny, we may like wearing makeup, looking pretty to go out, and all that stuff. There is nothing wrong with that; however it is important to critique those types of decisions. Women, in order to ascertain their self worth, must  not rely on men, but rather on themselves. Analyzing and self-reflecting on those practices are the starters to deconstruct the patriarchy.