What is feminism? Well, to lots of people, it’s an entire way of life. It’s a badge, a t-shirt, it’s the centre point to their friendships, their community, their work, and political identity. To others, it’s a word they feel is best left avoided. To some, it’s an entry ticket. To be waved around enthusiastically by performative men, who are hoping to date women of a left wing persuasion. And to many, “feminism” is simply a synonym for “gender equality”. “If you believe in equality, you’re a feminist”, asserts a small army of pop-celebrity feminists, wagging their finger at society, as they attempt to monopolise the concept of gender equality itself. But I don’t think that’s true. Feminism doesn’t own the idea of “gender equality”. Such a thing would be like Cadbury’s trying to own “chocolate”, or Mcdonald’s trying to claim “French fries”, or Walkers putting their flag down into “crisps”. No. Feminism is a particular means of reaching said equality, that is based upon a series of theoretical ideas and frameworks, loosely woven together, into a political movement. Simply – gender equality is the mountain, and feminism is one (of many) roads that promises to take us to it. And yes, there are other roads. I know this to be true, because the vast majority (83%) of people polled in the UK believe in total equality of the sexes… but only 35% of those polled identify as “feminists”. I know, some will claim that those 83% are disillusioned “secret feminists”, but that doesn’t answer the question: If feminism really is about gender equality, then why do most people who believe in such a noble cause, identity as something else? It’s a good question. So what is feminism? And why do so few identify as such? What do you think? ~ Are you a Feminist? YouGov (UK) Why are you not a feminist? US

2026-07-03