Transformation Central Home



Feminist Transformation Home

Feminist Discernment in the Family
Transforming Romantic Partnerships, Parenting, and Consumption

created and written by:
Emily Knurek & Cecilia Yu

Transforming Romantic Partnerships:
From Opposite to Similar

“In actuality we should have been spreading the word that feminism would make it possible for women and men to know love.”
- Bell Hooks (1)

Quoting from Matthaei's Healing Ourselves, Healing the Economy: "It bears mentioning that many Stage 3 feminists, in their advocacy of the right of all to have time and space to care, also advocate egalitarian, symmetrical relationships in which both partners actively participate in paid and unpaid work." (2) Symmetrical relationships include homosexual relationships, and in fact, "lesbian and gay couples have been at the forefront in establishing such relationships". The increased social acceptance of these egalitarian relationships is a crucial part of Stage 3 family values.

Women and men, homosexuals or heterosexuals, can reconstruct healthy and mutually respectful relationship that promote a healthy partnership and healthy sexuality. This can be achieved through education, support groups, counselling, therapy, and, most importantly, through the patience and understanding of listening to one another.

Jeffrey Gagnon suggests the following solutions for deconstructing abusive relationships and reconstructing peaceful relationships. First, men and women should be educated on the "oppressiveness of gender constructs". Second, while men and women transform the definitions of masculinity and feminity, they need to recognise that there are some traditionally masculine and feminie qualities that are necessary and good for a peaceful and harmonious relationship. Lastly, gender education must aim to "redefine the image, purpose and process of relationships". (3)

Learn about Feminist Transformation of Love and Marriage: Beyond Love as Masculine Domination and Feminine Submission.

Top of Page

References