On page 56 of their article Bullis and Stout introduce the concept of the “absent referent”. They mention that the concept of the absent referent was developed by Adams in relation to our mistreatment of animals and the eventual cycle that came back to hurt humans through mad cow disease, and most recently H1N1. Bullis and Stout go further and make the link that “Similarly, women’s reproductive work serves as an absent referent to capitalism. Emotional work in organizational life is necessary but unvalued” (p. 56).
My question is in relation to the “absent referent” and also Julia T. Wood’s definition of feminism. Wood’s definition is as follows, “I see it as an active commitment to equality and respect for all forms of life. For me, this includes respecting all people, as well as nonhuman forms of life…” (2009, p. 4). I would like to take this one step further, can someone call themselves a feminist if they do not adopt a vegan lifestyle? Does veganism and feminism go hand in hand?
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