For me it is simple. A feminist believes that a woman should have equal rights and liberties as any given man.

Beyond the mere definition, I believe as well that the more effective route toward that equality is through changing the limiting constructs society imposes on sex and gender. Laws can be implemented, but they are simply bandages on an underlying outlook that begins with preconcieved notions nurtured in young boys and girls by their parents and community. If we are to make a profound change, we should start with breaking down those notions, as they will make laws moot. Laws might be good in the mean time, but better to go to the source.

In the most simple explanation for me.... Being a feminist means you know you deserve to have a choice and a voice in the world. Whether that is being a stay at home mom or a CEO. To me, it also means that you accept, believe and know that every women deserve equal rights, pay and responsibilities as men

In the most basic and heartfelt sense, feminism to me is sisters looking out for sisters. In a purely political sense, it's the struggle for equal rights for women (and this can include everything from wages and control over our own bodies to accessible childcare). Feminism is more than just politics to me though, it's also a celebration of female culture(s). And even the political aspects of feminism are contingent upon context - feminism is what it needs to be when it needs to be. It's not some rigid linear thing you can point to, a dogma to be followed (much as people have tried to put it in a box and contain it with the ribbons of academia). It's flexible, ready for contingencies, contextual, adaptive and has a very large embrace (and on a good day has candy in the pockets of her apron).

To me, feminism is a family tradition. Feminism, to me, is being pinned to the mat by an elderly female Aikido teacher. Feminism is the realization that men are capable of cooking and cleaning, and that women are capable of doing math and becoming athletically accomplished.

This view has been passed down to me from my great grandmother. In her day, the idea that women were capable of voting intelligently was a radical one, indeed. As feminism is passed down through the generations, I am hopeful that there will be even more radical ideas, and with them, more radical changes.

Liberal Feminist
Radical Feminist
Moderate Feminist
Phychological Feminist