ABSTRACT
According to Littleton, “it is not gender difference, but the difference gender makes” that gives rise to a pernicious social divide between women and men. Thus, Littleton rejects “symmetrical” analyses of equality that require women’s assimilation to men or that require women and men to adhere to androgyny. Likewise, she rejects “asymmetrical” analyses that retain a devalued view of women or that celebrate masculine values or norms. The special rights approach denies that women can be equal to men; the accommodation approach tinkers with the system enough to enable women to achieve traditionally masculine aims; the empowerment approach rests on the masculinist value of power. Littleton advocates the acceptance approach to equality.
