It is primarily during this time period that distinct feminist theory emerged.

             In order to analyse the origins of feminist theory , one must have a clear understanding of what distinguishes feminist theory from other kinds of theory (as well as the process of theory making). According to Alison Jagger there are four important elements that feminist theories possess: a descriptive element, the explanatory element, a normative element, and a practical element.1 It is important to understand these different components of feminist theory, in order to be able to critically evaluate the alleged exclusiveness of feminism.

             a. A Descriptive Element: this a a statement of the empirical facts,it is usually in .

             the form of descriptions of women"s lived experiences and of the present day social arrangements, specifically the arrangements of power and its relationship to gender, as well as racial issues and class structures.2 .

             b. An Explanatory Element: this is an explanation regarding the reasoning of why women have the experiences they do and why the arrangement of power and political standing is the way it is.

             c. A Normative Element: this is the recommendations for the elimination of possible inequalities that occur, whether it is in the social , political or economical sphere.

             .

             d. A Practical Element: this is the physical commitment to the transformation of social organisations and institutions based upon the normative elements of the theory.3 .

             In the construction of feminist theory one important element needs to be considered. That is the element of FALSE UNIVERSALISATION. According to Jagger the definition of false universalisation is as follows: "drawing a generalisation that falsely assumes and does not mark the race, class, gender, sexual orientation, of the group being discussed. Applying a set of assumptions about a group to all members of that group."4 When a person involves false universalisation in their theory or in their activism, they are actually undermining all four of the elements necessary for feminist theory.