Date of Award
2012
Advisor(s)
Julie Kim
Second Advisor
Oneka LaBennett
Abstract
This thesis explores Feminist for Life’s (FFL) appropriation of feminist history and rhetoric in creating their individual identity as a new and unique social organization. I examine how FFL, a pro-life organization, utilizes traditional feminist history and literature in addition to mainstream feminist language to legitimize their mission. I examine FFL’s use of these traditionally pro-choice tools and the manner in which FFL uses them to establish itself as the true continuum of first-wave feminism. In doing so, I enter a scholarly debate concerning both the framing of dissident identities within social movements and the self-characterization of Feminists for Life as a part of the feminist movement. I approach my research question by analyzing and comparing FFL’s choice of language and self-portrayal in contrast to that of the National Organization for Women (NOW). I hope to demonstrate that by appropriating traditional feminist history and rhetoric, Feminists for Life both legitimizes itself and attempts to delegitimize mainstream feminism’s claim to be today’s true feminists.
Recommended Citation
Tuttle, Emily, "“Inspired by our Feminist Foremothers”: Feminists For Life’s Appropriation Of First-Wave Feminist Rhetoric And History" (2012). American Studies Senior Theses. 23.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/amer_stud_theses/23
