The feminist movement in France

Abstract

Beginning before and during the student-worker revolt in May 1968, the modern French women's liberation movement (MLF) has evolved and grown away from its connections with men and class politics. This article describes the four main tendencies of the MLF which reject traditional, centralized organization. It assesses the work of Choisir, a large, hierarchically structured feminist organization which has entered into party politics, and follows the progress of feminists' initiatives in the areas of abortion legislation, rape actions, domestic violence etc. Finally, the chances for women's financial independence and the building of an anti-patriarchal, ecological society are discussed.