Chapter 44: Feminist Counseling Theory:

The feminist theoretical perspective emerged and continues to develop as an approach designed to address the societal and systemic inequity that exists as a result of culturally defined gender normative expectations. Feminist theorists in counseling, higher education and other fields of study envision themselves as advocates for change and challengers of the status quo. Therefore, in practice, feminist theory is a way of highlighting societal injustice, gender inequity, and the needs of women and other marginalized populations. The three main tenets of feminist theory are (1) the personal is political; (2) empowering and valuing of the female voice; and (3) fostering egalitarian relationships. Within feminist counseling, there are several schools of thought ranging from radical feminist theory to liberal or cultural feminist perspectives. While all of the varying viewpoints within feminist theory differ slightly with regard to their practical focus, each situates itself around the three core values of empowerment, personal and societal intersection, and the privileging of marginalized experiences.