The Time Is Here for Women's Liberation

The women's liberation movement examines the ways in which women's options and patterns of behavior are limited by the sex-role stereotypes imposed on them through socialization. In the academic community these stereotypes are reinforced by a sexual etiquette which communicates an underlying reification of women and an inability of men to accept women as equal partners in professional life. Although the action of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the widespread new interest in the condition of women may result in the appointment of women to prominent posi tions, unless concerned men join women to overcome stereo typed patterns of interpersonal relations the oppression that constantly downgrades women and isolates them from their colleagues will continue to prevail. The problem should be viewed in historical perspective. Culture as we see it mani fested in institutions of higher learning is masculine. The problem that confronts male and female academicians is whether or not they can accommodate the existing masculine ideology, institutions, and behavior patterns to the emerging feminine definition of culture as articulated and practiced by both the counter-culture and the women's liberation move ment. If feminism is to be the ultimate revolution, it must establish an androgynous community in which roles will not be assigned according to gender.