Final answer:
Feminist counselling has been criticized for inconsistency in ethical frameworks, bias that may neglect male perspectives, and for not forming a coherent ethical theory. These concerns highlight a struggle for feminists to balance addressing gender bias while creating a universal and stable ethical guide. Historical challenges include stigmatization and backlash during conservative periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Feminist counselling faces several criticisms and limitations. One critique is the inconsistency with feminist ethics, as various feminist perspectives may not form a coherent ethical theory comparable to traditional ethical theories. Additionally, feminist counselling is scrutinized for its relevance concerning traditional ethical theories, particularly when discussing social equality in crucial life decisions, such as terminating life support.
Another limitation is the accusation of self-contradiction, as feminists are charged with dismissing truth claims in their own writings, suggesting a lack of a stable ethical framework. Critics also argue that feminist theories are too tailored to individual situations, hindering the development of a consistent theory of ethical behavior. Moreover, the criticism highlights a potential bias in feminist theories, as they may neglect the tendencies and experiences of men, doing to men what feminists claim has been unjustly done to women.
The backlash during the conservative years of the 1980s, with fewer women identifying as feminists and stigmatization of those pursuing traditional roles, demonstrates societal challenges facing feminist counselling. Crawford & Marecek (1989) and other scholars have sought to re-evaluate contributions of women, study psychological gender differences, and challenge male bias in the scientific approach to knowledge, defending feminist ideals against historical assertions of female inferiority.
Historically, feminism has been a political and philosophical movement addressing gender discrimination. Feminist ethics has sought to correct traditional moral theories that favored male perspectives, advocating for recognition of women's experiences. Yet, ethical frameworks proposed by feminists face criticism for not considering males' perspectives and experiences, signaling a possible imbalance.