Feminism and Democracy in Argentina: A Closer Look at the Obstacles to Feminist Objectives and Democratic Aims

Abstract

It has been proposed that the growth of feminism occurs in the wake of modernization. Argentina, however, does not evince much feminist thought or action as defined by Maxine Molyneux's system for understanding gender interests. I propose that the slow growth of feminism in Argentina is primarily due to an emphasis on the identity of women as mothers, as well as from widespread misunderstanding of what feminism means. These obstacles to feminism are evident when viewing the status of women in relation to the political arena, education, employment, and bodily rights. By focusing on these subjects it also becomes clear that the goals of feminism further the aims of substantive democracy, as Robert Dahl defines it. It is possible that further modernization will be accompanied by a wider acceptance of feminism in Argentina, but it is not a guarantee. Education about feminism is necessary to allow for its growth and the consolidation of democracy.