Why feminism and libertarianism are compatible:
Although most types of feminism are only compatible with the left side of the political spectrum, there are many different types of feminism. To be a feminist is to advocate for gender equality. People may disagree on how to achieve that. Most feminists believe the answer is more government. However, libertarianism is compatible with feminism in that both ideologies support letting people make their own choices. I mean, how on earth is it libertarian to force a woman to do something she doesn't want to do? Let's also consider some of the parallels I've drawn between statism and male dominance. Also, here is my proposal for how to reconcile feminism and individual rights.
Why feminism and the consistent life ethic are compatible:
Originally, feminists believed in nonviolence. This meant opposition to war, slavery, and yes, even abortion. As time went on, the feminist movement began to advocate for abortion "rights" and allowing women in combat became a higher priority than advocating peace (one person even wanted the draft to include women). But intersectional feminism, like the consistent life ethic, takes on multiple human rights issues rather than just one, and both ideologies recognize that all human rights issues are connected in some way or another. If that is true, than the rights of unborn children are connected to the rights of women, and not in the competing rights sense (even though abortion naturally has a competing rights element to it). Let's also consider that feminism includes ending violence against women, which is definitely a life issue.
Why libertarianism and the consistent life ethic are compatible:
Libertarianism is actually pretty compatible with the consistent life ethic because of their shared opposition to aggressive violence. Libertarians tend to oppose war and capital punishment, but they are divided on the issue of abortion. Where it is more difficult to reconcile the two is when it comes to killing that does not violate the non-aggression principle, such as assisted suicide. Although the consistent life ethic takes on many issues, it means something different to different people. Some consistent lifers are pacifists, but others support something similar to the non-aggression principle. Consistent lifers also have different ideas when it comes to creating a true culture of life. Some may believe in government involvement, while others may support different means to reach the same goal.
No comments:
Post a Comment