Crossing the Divide: Revisiting the Tensions Between Libertarianism and Feminism in Light of Fourth Wave Feminism

Abstract

Since 2013, some academics have noted a surge in feminist activity in Britain; leading them to announce the arrival of fourth wave feminism. A defining feature of fourth wave feminism is social media activism; though which women have begun to ‘call out’ individuals and institutions who perpetuate sexist and discriminatory practices and ideologies. While there appears to have been a recurrence of the collectivist attitudes that dominated second wave feminism, the fourth wave has a complex relationship with neoliberalism and neoconserviticism; both of which encourage individualism and free markets. It is therefore interesting to consider how pro-market feminist theories relate to the aims and concerns of fourth wave feminists. In this thesis, I explore whether the pro-market discipline of libertarian feminism can be part of the fourth wave. In particular, I explore whether it is able to address the concerns of fourth wave feminists.