Germaine Greer and The Female Eunuch

Germaine Greer is a female Australian writer, journalist and academic with strong values and opinions towards feminism. She wrote a very successful book called The Female Eunuch published in the 1970s which at the time challenged a females traditional role in society and it also reflected on the Womens Liberation Movement. Greer is a well-educated Australian woman who used her creative and good writing skills in literature throughout her whole career where she graduated at University in England at Newham College, Cambridge. She is very well known for her novel, The Female Eunuch which advocates Greers personal opinions and theories of feminism. Greer strongly argues the importance of working hard to endeavour the same amount of respect, opportunities and importance as men rather than to just be equal. Greer produces realism in her life and work quite intensely and continuously preaches to her audience that men and women cannot be equal because they are just simply not the same, although this should not abstain women from exploring their sexuality and capabilities to strive for higher standards in their jobs, careers, personal image and status and not conforming to the male perception of women. Greer was a strong believer in building society to its full potential especially for women. Throughout the progress of writing, publishing and selling The Female Eunuch, her aim was to make a difference and change societys perspective on women who had been designed and created by men to cater for their desires, requests and lifestyle. She firstly wanted women to recognise that their lifestyle was only convenient for their husbands life dreams and goals. She also wanted women to establish themselves as human beings and realise their skills are just as persistent and strong as a mans but a womans stereotype of what had been acceptable or not in society was holding her back from exploring her own mind. Greer also demonstrated to aim higher to pursue greater job roles that only a man would consider such as a lawyer, doctor or pilot or even a management position. She wanted to build the female community by encouraging a better quality education to explore the world whilst waiting to get married. She wanted this based on her own personal experience as she was a perfect example to advocate a better education and perspective on life. She wanted to share her experience with other women so they would get the opportunity to enjoy a more exuberant lifestyle. The Female Eunuch had a major impact causing controversy within and out of the womens liberation and especially within the media. In short term, it had not played out its original purpose as many critics felt the desire to create controversy and judge Greers ideas. In some cases it even made women and young girls feel uncomfortable around their own fathers and brothers. Although for those who had complete utter faith and belief in the book helped accomplish the society we live in 40 years later in the long run. The power of free will for women was definitely a major factor which contributed to launching womens confidence. Women started applying for higher rated jobs like a lawyer, doctor and teacher

which led to delaying their marriage or family plans. Many women also started insisting on a divorce which allowed them to become more independent of themselves to support her children and self. Education also became important for young girls especially in the hopes they would grow up with large aspirations and determination to succeed in life. The consumption of the contraceptive pill also grew and this allowed women to gain confidence in their sexuality allowing them to explore ones independent self. After 40 years, the greatest outcome that has been established is the amount of respect a man holds for a successful and highly educated independent woman. In conclusion, Germaine Greer exercises her thoughts and ideas of women rights and feminism quite publicly through text and speech. Along with the major success of her novel came an outstanding impact on societys perception of women.