Humanism and Feminism can be viewed as two philosophical stances, which show some difference between each other. In Humanism, the emphasis is on the human being. On the other hand, in Feminism, the emphasis is solely on the woman. This is the difference between Humanism and Feminism. This article attempts to provide a clear understanding of both stances while highlighting the differences.
What is Humanism?
Humanism can be defined as a system of thought believing that people can live their lives without the need for religious beliefs. However, there are others who consider humanism as proving a significant position to the human being, human values, etc. There are many branches of Humanism. They are Renaissance Humanism, Modern Humanism, Secular Humanism, Philosophical Humanism, Religious Humanism, etc. Humanism place great significance on the role of science and also the reason.
According to humanists, belief should be placed on those that can be considered as rational and scientific. Beyond the realms of this reason and science, one cannot find truth. They are mostly atheists and tend to either deny the existence of God or else have no belief in supernatural existences. However, Humanists believe in the necessity of morality. The sense of right and wrong in actions are not justified by the usage of religion but science and reason. Since humanists do not believe in the existence of the supernatural, they also deny rebirth or the ideas of heaven and hell.
Happy human Humanist logo
What is Feminism?
Feminism can be viewed as a movement that supports the equal rights of women. These rights can be social, cultural, economical, political, and even individual. Feminists highlight that the society is dominated by males due to the patriarchal system that operates in the majority of societies in the world. This allows men to enjoy more rights, unlike women who are confined to most spheres. When it comes to education, salaries, job opportunities, and political rights, women are at a disadvantage. Especially, when looking at the history, women were confined to the domestic dichotomy where she was considered as the ‘weaker sex’. After much struggle due to feminist movements, campaigns, etc. women now enjoy a better position in the society even though they have not gained equal rights yet. This highlights that Humanism and Feminism are two systems of thought or philosophical stances that are different from one another.
What is the difference between Humanism and Feminism?
• Humanism can be defined as a system of thought believing that people can live their lives without the need for religious beliefs whereas Feminism can be viewed as a movement that supports the equal rights of women.
• In Humanism, the emphasis is on the human being. On the other hand, in Feminism, the emphasis is solely on the right of the woman.
• Humanists approach the human being in a holistic manner, despite their gender difference. Feminists, however, stress the positioning of women specifically.
Images Courtesy:
- Happy human Humanist logo, white and golden version by Tinette (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- U.S. women suffragists demonstrating for the right to vote, February 1913 via Wikicommons (Public Domain)