The strength of rhetoric in Christian conservative and radical feminist movements

comparisons and outcomes

Abstract

Over the course of the latter twentieth century in the western world there has been a rise of several notable grassroots and counter cultural movements. This article aims to expose the similarities between two of these influential movements: Christian social conservatism and radical and cultural feminism, and to emphasize how both of these movements are largely founded upon a strong, unmovable rhetoric and the use of folk devils and an overall fear of any outside influence in order to legitimize their fears over a perceived threat. This article will also examine how changing perceptions and ideologies within both the Christian right and the radical feminist movement have resulted in a backlash amongst those who consider themselves the 'true' practitioners of their respective movements ideologies.