The Enlightenment of Man: the Patriarchal Nature of Western Liberalism
Keywords:
Feminist analysis, western philosophy, private public divide, social contract, sexual contract, state, discourse, masculinity, patriarchy, genderAbstract
This essay explores the western liberal traditions that arose from the enlightenment, creating societies that are dominated by hegemonic masculinity. Both the idea of a ‘social contract’ and the public/private divide that are central to western liberalism are concepts that inherently advantage those who are best able to work within the masculine structures of the modern western liberal state. This hegemon continues to use the enlightenment principles of ‘rationality’ and ‘universalism’ that has forcefully legitimised liberal thinking and social structures to maintain a position of dominance while delegitimising counter-hegemonic movements. This essay argues that a fundamental rethinking of these philosophical traditions is needed if the masculine hegemon is to be successfully challenged. This rethinking of the modern state removed from its traditional masculine structures may allow for a radically rethinking of politics to one that makes room for care and more feminised practises.
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