The Complexity Of Choice

As feminists, we get it ingrained in us that choice is every person’s (read: woman’s) right. But what if things weren’t as simple as that?

Choice is a common rhetoric used by many feminists and social justice activists. The topic ranges from jobs to abortion; sexuality and contraception to marriage; how we look to what we consume. I choose to marry for love. I choose to keep this baby. I choose not to keep this baby. I choose to use contraception. I choose to work. I choose not to work.

Choice is often taken for granted by white First World feminists who wave their freedom flag in the face of women that are oppressed, poor and often coloured. The feminist rhetoric of choice sits comfortably alongside current ideas of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is (among many other ideas) the idea of “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps” and the belief that hard work and nothing else (not even the privilege of class, race, gender, sexuality, ability) is responsible for your success.

Sadly, many white, First World feminists have (consciously or unconsciously) aligned their feminist views with these neoliberal views of individual choice. I have heard some white feminist say, “Why don’t they just choose abortion?” I have heard them exclaim and wonder why poor women don’t choose to use contraception or why women in “some Asian cultures” agree to an arranged marriage. Looking past the racist undertones, these feminists often have no idea that choice is not as easy as choosing between option A or option B.

Choice involves access to information that will help you make informed decisions. Choice involves knowing you have the power to choose. Choice involves putting up your hand and saying, “I am an individual making this choice for myself.”

For many women of colour, women who do not live in the First World, or poor women, choice is simply non-existent or very limited. If you are a teenage girl living in a place where premarital sex is taboo, contraception is not talked about and abortion is out of the question, what “choices” exist in your head when you find out you’re pregnant with an unwanted fetus? I can assure you that the options in that girl’s head are much, much less than in the head of a pregnant teenage girl living in a place where premarital sex is normalized, contraception is encouraged and abortion is financially subsidized by medical plans.

Choice is important but it is more important to recognize that choice is also about power. Choice is a privilege. It is naïve to think that having the right to choose will solve all problems. Simply having limited choice is not enough – having true freedom of choice is what we need to work towards for everyone.

Contact the author here: syahidah@morningquickie.com