Feminism

• conflict theory= conflict in society based on gender (women + men not equal)
• women face inequalities in every institution in society
• structural theory= society shapes human's behaviour
• society is patriarchal- male dominated (only males benefit in society, women are disadvantaged in institution)
• patriarchal social structures:

  • paid work
  • household
  • state
  • sexuality
  • violence against women
  • cultural institutions
• paid work= discriminated, low pay/status, reduced rights
• household= 'double shifts', housework, exploited, care of children
• state= healthcare, less protected by employment law (temporary contracts)
• cultural institution= sex objects, mothers, housewives, not people in their own right
• sexuality= double standards, men can have lots of sexual partners, women can't
• violence against women= used by men to control, actual or threatened
• Strands of feminism:

  • radical feminism
  • marxism feminism
  • liberal feminism
  • postmodern feminism
• radical feminism= men are the enemy, women face inequality in every part of society
• radical feminism- too extreme + impractical, can't simply eradicate men
• marxist feminism= capitalism is the main source of women's oppression 'double shift'
• marxist feminism- its men not just capitalism that benefit from women's oppression, ignores reversed roles 'house husband'
• liberal feminism= bring about gender equality, want changes in the law, they see the 'march of progress'
• liberal feminism- changing the law isn't enough, more needs to be done
• postmodern feminism= different meanings of women, they face different challenges
• postmodern feminism- focus on diversity, challenging to address common issues faced by women