Reappropriating Feminism, Maternity, and the Woman’s Role | Mary Harrington | EP 466

Feminism Against Progress: A Conversation with Mary Harrington

In this thought-provoking podcast, we sit down with Mary Harrington, author of the critically acclaimed "Feminism Against Progress," to delve into her groundbreaking analysis of the women's movement and its complex relationship with progress, technology, and human nature.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

Harrington's central argument is that feminism, as we know it today, emerged in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, a period of profound social upheaval that dramatically altered the roles of both men and women. She argues that feminism has since divided into two distinct branches:

• **The Feminism of Care:** This branch emphasizes the value of the domestic sphere and women's traditional roles in nurturing, child-rearing, and maintaining a haven from the market economy.
• **The Feminism of Freedom:** This branch champions women's equal access to the public sphere, including economic opportunities, political rights, and liberation from traditional gender roles.

Harrington views the advent of hormonal birth control as a pivotal moment in the rise of the "transhumanist era," marking a point where technology began to be employed to alter human nature itself, rather than simply to enhance our capabilities. She argues that this trend, exemplified by the pill and the subsequent legalization of abortion, has had both intended and unintended consequences for women and society.

Practical Strategies and Advice

Harrington suggests a more nuanced and multi-faceted approach to understanding women's lives and experiences, moving beyond the prevailing narrative of individual freedom and embracing the realities of our embodied nature.

• **Embrace the Hero's Journey for Women:** Harrington proposes a three-part Hero's Journey for women, encompassing the "maiden," "mother," and "matriarch" stages, each representing a distinct and valuable aspect of the female experience.
• **Prioritize Radical Loyalty:** In a world characterized by increasing instability, Harrington advocates for a shift away from the idealized "happy ever after" of romantic love and towards a more pragmatic focus on radical loyalty in relationships.
• **Rethink Contraception:** Harrington is deeply critical of hormonal birth control, citing its transhumanist nature, ecological impact, and potential for disrupting the natural relationship between men and women.

Supporting Evidence

Harrington draws upon a rich body of historical and social scientific research to support her claims, including the work of scholars like Ivan Illich, Louise Perry, and Lise Eliot. She also highlights the growing detransition movement and the rise of social contagion regarding gender identity in young girls as evidence of the unintended consequences of our technological interventions in human nature.

Personal Application

Harrington speaks from her own experience as a mother, navigating the challenges of finding a sense of community and belonging in a society that often marginalizes the roles of mothers and matriarchs. She also draws on her training in psychotherapy to illuminate the psychological consequences of our cultural preoccupation with individual freedom and our attempts to escape the limitations of our embodied selves.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

Harrington encourages listeners to engage with a wider range of feminist perspectives, going beyond the dominant liberal narrative. She also advocates for a more nuanced and critical approach to technology, particularly as it relates to our bodies and the complex dynamics of human relationships.