ABSTRACT

Liberal feminism has focused on destroying stereotypes about differences between men and women and providing men and women with a more level playing field. Liberal feminists have historically viewed restrictive gender socialization and nonrational prejudice as the primary causes of sexism. According to this view, sexist thinking and behavior can be eradicated through rational debate, resocialization of men and women, and the application of gender-neutral policies that allow men and women to achieve individual aspirations. Liberal feminism is sometimes referred to as conservative or mainstream feminism because its assumptions are embedded in traditions associated with individualism and personal freedom, and the implementation of liberal feminism does not require the rethinking of widely accepted Western social values. Similarly, the goal of liberal feminist therapy is to eliminate aspects of psychotherapy practice that have supported traditional socialization, are based on biased views about men and women, or include assumptions about gender difference that are not supported by empirical research.