By definition, a person who believes in the fundamental equality between the sexes, with a focus upon women's issues such as equal pay or stereotyping.

However, those who call themselves feminists rarely abide by the dictionary term. A more appropriate term for the feminist of today is female chauvinist, one who believes the female sex is naturally superior to the male sex.

Those that call themselves feminist typically subscribe to second-wave feminism, which evolved in the 1970s from the earlier, first-wave feminism. Whereas first-wave feminism sought legislation that would grant equal protection under the law, second-wave feminism sought an overthrow of what they called "patriarchy," which included traditional families and capitalism.

Contrary to many feminist claims, feminism is not a belief that is exclusive to women. Some feminists object to men referring to themselves as feminist, and use the term "pro-feminist" instead. A man who believes in equal protection under the law can be classified as feminist by definition.

Feminists and feminist organizations tend to campaign for issues they percieve as important to women, such as abortion rights (most feminists are pro-choice), domestic violence, LGBT rights, and similar issues. Feminism is often criticized for a unilateral approach to their issues, focusing only on increasing the rights of women, even to the point of denying the rights of men, underscoring the importance of those issues in relation to men (such as Dr. Laura stating that men had more to fear from violence then women, as they were attacked more often, and being subsequently villified by feminists.)

Feminism has garnered much criticism for it's methods and statistics, and has been accused of violating it's own edicts. Among parents, mothers are more likely to murder their children then their fathers according to the FBI, yet feminist organizations push that single-parenthood, with maternal custody, is in the best interests of the child. Alternatively, feminist organizations equate any time a rape or domestic violence (female) victim is required to present evidence to prove her claims as "blaming the victim." Feminist organizations want to apply the precautionary principle, accepting the allegation at face value to "protect the victim." Critics counter by stating victims can provide evidence to the courts, and that precautionary principles without checks and balances allow women to exploit the legal system for profit.

Backlash further against feminism can also be found in statements that are misandrist, or hatred of males. Valerie Solonas is one of the most popular, having written a book about killing men. Mary Daly, a theologian who was fired for refusing to admit a male student who was otherwise qualified for her class, also advocated creating a "male-free" paradise. Other misandrists include Robin Morgan, Andrea Dworkin, Gloria Allred, and Catherine MacKinnon.

An idea that stood for the equality of women and men once (about 30 years ago)but is now just about kicking men in the balls and treating them with extreme bias and unfairness.

The belief that both genders should be equal by focusing solely on one of them.

The belief in the political, social, and logistic superiority of women to men. Female followers, especially zealots, are known to embark on quests to recruit white knights in the most insidious and covert ways she can imagine. The belief that manual labour and the dirty, dangerous jobs are for men, whom they describe as disposable and inferior.

A view that treating men and women equally must involve man-hating given the universality of women hating by men who'd vote for this definition.

a global hate group of sexist women who make up false studies, statistics, and "facts" to promote their man-hate. mostly known for accusing anyone with a dick of being a rapist. and pissing off literally everyone who doesnt blindly follow their cult-like opinions

A refuge for charmless women.