What philosophy does a therapist likely follow if they encourage a battered woman to advocate for societal change?

The approach of encouraging a battered woman to advocate for societal change aligns closely with radical feminism. Radical feminism emphasizes the fundamental societal structures that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women. This philosophy seeks to address the deep-rooted issues within the patriarchy, advocating for a transformation of societal norms and values regarding gender. By empowering women to take action against injustices they face, such as domestic violence, radical feminists focus on the systemic change needed to rectify these social issues rather than merely addressing individual problems.

In contrast, other feminist frameworks might focus on different aspects: cultural feminism tends to emphasize differences between genders and promotes women's unique strengths, liberal feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities within the current system, and postmodern feminism critiques established narratives and emphasizes the variability of women's experiences. While these perspectives are valuable, they do not prioritize the same radical societal change that is central to radical feminism. Thus, the encouragement to advocate for change signifies a commitment to transforming societal structures, which is the hallmark of radical feminist theory.