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The
Feminist Principle of Challenge
and Conflict
The feminist principle of challenge and conflict is
vital to feminist organizing. As feminists, we anticipate conflict as
part of the learning and growing process in our work toward equality and
inclusion. The feminist principle of challenge and conflict enables us
to challenge our individual and collective understanding and work through
conflict in a healthy way.
The feminist
principle of challenge and conflict means that we accept conflict as
inevitable while embracing challenge as the practice of calling into
account, questioning, provoking thought, and reflecting. When we are
committed to respectful ways of challenging and healthy conflict resolution
processes, we deepen our individual and collective understanding.
Within equality-seeking
organizations, we might expect that we will not experience conflict with
other women. Given the nature of the work that we do, we might assume
that we will not be challenged on our understanding of feminist principles
and practices, or that we should not challenge other women when we disagree.
In reality, the healthy practice of challenge and conflict provides opportunities
for growth and learning, and can strengthen our organization’s efforts
toward women’s equality and inclusion.
“The
mindful use of challenge is no small matter to feminists and
feminist organizations. In choosing to meet conflict with
openness and respect, we empower ourselves both as individual
women and as women working together in common cause.”
~ Sarah
Ogletree
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Feminist principles by their very nature challenge us to examine the traditional
systems and structures that have influenced our thinking and understanding.
We each have a responsibility to become aware of the ways in which we
have been socialized, and examine how our experiences have helped shape
our current beliefs and values. For example, women may hold opposing views
of reproductive choice, and conflict over whether our organization should
publicly take a pro-choice stand. Some may oppose the principle of choice
from a religious, cultural, legal or political perspective, rather than
examine the issue through a lens of women’s equality and inclusion.
Our challenge, as women and organizations, is to reflect upon why we do
the work we do, and ensure that our principles and practices are consistent
with our feminist basis of unity.
We may initially feel
uncomfortable when challenging other women on our values and beliefs,
yet we are actually engaging in a healthy process that can enhance the
skills, abilities and knowledge of our organization and members. Given
the diversity of women’s experience and background, we may sometimes
disagree on a broad range of issues, from the kinds of service and advocacy
work we do, to the very feminist principles by which we operate. We need
to acknowledge the differences within our understanding of feminism, and
be patient with each other in our search for greater knowledge.
Mutual respect is of the greatest importance in the practice of challenge
and conflict, as is an appreciation of the diversity of our membership.
Although we challenge each other on issues and values, we aim to do so
through constructive criticism, proposing changes and alternatives instead
of focusing on flaws. Rather than dismissing another woman’s idea
outright, for example, we challenge the idea through respectful discussion,
asking questions and offering suggestions and feedback. Such practices
contribute to better communication, understanding and knowledge within
our organizations and the women’s movement as a whole.
Through respecting
challenge as positive, and accepting conflict resolution processes as
necessary, we create opportunities to sharpen our activist and advocacy
skills and prepare for struggles in the broader social context. Our commitment
to resolving our differences and deepening our common understanding of
feminist principles and practices strengthens our ability to advance women’s
equality and inclusion.
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Scenario
The Feminist Principle of Challenge
and Conflict
Two key volunteers within an equality-seeking organization cannot
get along. Jen and Jane
conflict at meetings, constantly disagreeing and challenging each
other regardless of the issue.
Most women feel compelled to side with Jane because of her more
vocal personality, while others remain silent. Members are now telling
Betty, their Chair, that coming to meetings is very uncomfortable,
and do not wish to stay involved.
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What should Betty do to resolve this issue?
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Is there room in this organization for Jen and Jane? Why or why
not?
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How can members challenge Jen and Jane on their behaviours and
the negative effects on the
organization?
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Workshop
Questions
The Feminist Principle of Challenge
and Conflict
- Where
do our ideas about challenge and conflict come from?
- How do
our personal experiences of challenge and conflict affect how
we deal with conflict
within our organization?
- How can
resolving conflict / challenging each other be helpful to our
organization? What are the risks when we do not resolve conflict
/ challenge each other?
- How will
we deal with conflict / challenge each other on our understanding
of feminism (principles, practices and processes)?
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source: PACSW
pdf document (requires
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