ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explores two aims: First, to bring together some main themes from the empirical findings and second to explore some links between social identity and social movements. Being feminine and being a feminist were perceived by many women as mutually exclusive. These perceptions of activists and feminists were discussed with reference to theories of social identity and social influence. In a cultural context where political activists are represented as a minority outgroup with negative characteristics, acceptance of influence may pose thread to social identity. Some have argued that there has been a corresponding decline in class-based social movements and a fragmentation of identity in a post-modern society. In the case of social movements and feminism in particular, McDowell and Pringle argue that for some women, the recognition of differences has led to a denial of the possibility of a feminist politics.
