Feminism
Feminism is an important social movement that has been gaining momentum in recent years. It’s a topic that not only affects women but also impacts men and society as a whole.
For English learners, discussing feminism can be an excellent ESL conversation topic to improve their vocabulary and overall level of English while gaining a deeper understanding of important cultural and societal issues.
Feminism can help learners practice their speaking and listening skills while engaging in meaningful discussions about gender equality, women’s rights, and other related topics.
About Feminism
Feminism is a social, political, and cultural movement that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. The term “feminism” often refers to the fight for women’s rights and gender equality, but it also encompasses other issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice and economic equality.
Feminism has a long and complex history, dating back to the late 19th century when women began to organize and fight for their right to vote. Since then, feminist movements have taken various forms and approaches, from the suffrage movement to second-wave feminism, intersectional feminism and more.
Today, feminist issues continue to be relevant and important, with ongoing debates about equal pay, reproductive rights, sexual harassment and assault, representation in politics and media and many other topics.
Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.Useful Vocabulary
Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary
Conversation Questions
- What does feminism mean to you? How has your understanding of feminism changed over time?
- In your opinion, are men and women treated equally in your country?
- Is it fair for women to take on most of the caregiving responsibilities in the home?
- Should companies be required to disclose their gender pay gap and take steps to address it?
- Can you think of any ways in which gender inequality affects people's lives? How does this impact society as a whole?
- Should companies or governments take action to help women and other marginalised groups get better jobs, even if it means giving them special treatment or advantages over others?
- How do you think traditional gender roles and expectations influence the way people behave and interact with one another?
- Is it necessary to have quotas or targets for the number of women in leadership positions, or should these positions be awarded based on merit alone?
- What are some steps individuals can take to promote gender equality in their communities and workplaces?
- Is it acceptable to judge a woman's appearance or clothing choices in the workplace or other professional settings?
- What role can men play in promoting gender equality?
- Should gender-neutral language be used more widely in schools, workplaces, and other public settings?
- Should transgender individuals be allowed to compete in sports categories that align with their gender identity?
- Should women be required to register for the military draft countries where men are?
- Do you think feminism is still relevant today? Why or why not?
