Philosophy: Phenomenology and Feminist Discrimination

If someone ever told you that "you throw like a girl" would you feel insulted or flattered? Among society, the phrase "throwing like a girl" holds a negative connotation. Phenomenologist Iris Marion Young constructed a theory that our actions not only create but sustain a social reality that limits human beings' potential. One of the groups that she argues have fallen victim to those negative influences are women. The theory of phenomenology studies phenomena that results from experiences in the external world to understand the interpretation of human consciousness. On the one hand Young claims, "[W]omen in sexist society are physically handicapped" (Young, 1980, p.152) because of enforced mannerism, stereotyped gender roles, and epistemic injustice. But on the other hand, Ewrin Strauss deposits his central position that females are born with 'feminine' characteristics because of their biology. Within my paper, I will explain how Young supports her disagreement with Strauss' position. I consider an objection to her claim from Aristotle's belief that physical bodies of women are inherently weaker. Finally, a response to this objection will be provided.