OUR VALUES

While the radical feminist movement and ideology share a lot of core tenets with other iterations of feminist movements, there is one distinguishing factor that separates it from the rest. For a belief to be radical, it must be a belief that asserts the idea that existing structures and institutions need to be eradicated and overhauled, not reformed. In the context of radical feminism, this refers to the patriarchy or the ‘root’ of women’s oppression. The fundamental belief of radical feminism is that this oppression is structural and systemic.
Radical feminism is fundamentally philosophical, as it is an ideology that focuses on how the patriarchy manifests in the imbalance of power that exists between women and the male-dominated society. We believe that women have been placed at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and that the patriarchy is most commonly enforced through gender roles and stereotypes. Radical feminism has, is and always will be political.

Some other notable core values of radical feminism are: an understanding that the sex work industry is exploitative and oppresses women sexually and economically (including online platforms such as OnlyFans), this extends to pornography (videographic, written, animated etc.), which radical feminism intensely opposes. Radical Feminism also requires a strong critique of all structured systems of belief such as spiritual and religious ones, as any existing system or structure is influenced by the patriarchy and thus exists to oppress women. Reproductive rights have always been at the forefront of the radical feminist movement. This movement also critiques the concepts of motherhood, marriage, the nuclear family, and sexuality, as gender roles must be abolished in both private and public spaces, despite how many people think its just ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’. Governments, economic systems and institutions must be critiqued as they have been centred in patriarchal power. Of course this list is not exhaustive, but exists to highlight key beliefs of the movement.

It is true that radical feminism has not been the most inclusive historically. Societies, environments and political climates do change, and movements must adapt to effectively respond to these changes, whether the change is regressive or progressive. If they do not adapt, then the movement is exclusionary, as it is not applicable beyond the environment in which they are created. They are not universal, and they are not productive. It is selective liberation, which is not liberation at all, but rather the initial oppression manifesting itself in a slightly different way. The people are not free, but they simply live under the illusion that they are, that their freewill and ability to choose has been returned, when it has not.
The radical feminist movement and its subsequent theory has progressed over the years to create and introduce a renewed radical feminist movement that highlights the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity. Perspectives and participation from all marginalised communities are imperative to achieving liberation, as under radical feminism, the liberation of all is inherently tied to the liberation of women and the overhauling of the patriarchy in all its forms. 

Radical feminism is vehement activism and abrasive discussion. It is a movement that is open to all kinds of individuals who are looking to broaden their perspective and understand the world and its injustice through a feminist perspective. This is what The Bitch Theory aims to accomplish. We value and platform non-male voices in whatever medium they choose to share their experiences/thoughts/feelings through. 

A key value of The Bitch Theory in particular is community. There is no liberation, no justice, no freedom without community and solidarity. We want to make it known that this movement is open to all kinds of feminists. We all learn from each other. We build a community with each other. If you don’t know much about any sort of feminist movement, that is more than okay. This journal and curation of resources was created for that exact purpose; to inform. There is no liberation without education.

Works that exhibit sexism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia or any discrimination or prejudice of any kind is not tolerated. However, we welcome you to read our works and reflect and hopefully understand our movement and our goals better.

The Bitch Theory hopes to not only work on fortnightly publications, but also achieve change in capacities that extend beyond social media. Without your support, legal, social or cultural change is not possible. We appreciate you extensively for joining our community and investing yourself in the world. There is no us without you.

Thank you endlessly.

Resist the insist.