Feminism

• What is feminism defined as in the study material?

  Feminism is a political and social movement aimed at ending the systematic oppression and exploitation of women.
• How does feminism relate to other theories like Functionalism and Marxism?

  Feminism is a structural theory, similar to Functionalism and Marxism.
• What does it mean that feminism is a conflict theory?

  It means that feminism focuses on the conflicts arising from gender inequality.
• How do feminists differ from Marxists regarding the source of conflict?

  Feminists argue that the source of conflict is gender, while Marxists argue it is social class.
• What do feminists argue about gender inequality?

  Feminists argue that gender inequality is the most significant form of inequality.
• What do feminists believe about the universality of gender inequality?

  Feminists believe that gender inequality is universal.
• What is the focus of first wave feminism?

  The suffrage movement in the 19th and 20th century
• When did second wave feminism emerge and what were its main focuses?

  It emerged in the US shortly after World War Two, focusing on reproductive rights, sexuality, and the wage gap
• What decade did third wave feminism emerge?

  The 1990s
• What is the main aim of third wave feminism?

  To end the patriarchy with a focus on female victims of gender issues
• How does third wave feminism differ from first and second wave feminism?

  Third wave feminism rejects identity and focuses on female victims of gender issues
• What are the different types of feminism mentioned in the study material?

  Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Difference
• What are the fundamental beliefs shared by different types of feminists?

  • Gender inequality is a social construction maintained through the socialisation of gender roles
  • Society is divided between men and women
  • Women are exploited and oppressed throughout society by men
  • Men dominate high paying jobs and roles
  • Society is patriarchal
• How do feminists view gender inequality?

  As a social construction maintained through the socialisation of gender roles
• What is the significance of the belief that society is divided between men and women in feminist theory?

  It highlights the systemic nature of gender inequality
• In what way do feminists believe women are treated in society?

  Women are exploited and oppressed throughout society by men
• Who dominates high paying jobs and roles according to feminist beliefs?

  Men
• What does it mean for society to be patriarchal?

  It means that men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property
• What is patriarchy?

  A social system in which positions of dominance and privilege are primarily held by men.
• How do men typically engage with domestic roles according to the study material?

  Men take less responsibility for domestic roles at home.
• In which areas do men hold the most senior roles according to the material?

  Politics and government.
• Who is typically the head of the Church?

  Men, specifically The Pope.
• Who are typically the owners of media corporations?

  Men.
• How is sociology criticized by feminists?

  It is criticized as being 'malestream' or 'male-centric'.
• What does the phrase 'By men, about men, for men' imply about sociology?

  It suggests that sociology primarily reflects male perspectives and interests.
• What are the four types of feminism mentioned in the study material?

  Liberal Feminism
• What does Liberal Feminism argue about inequality?

  Inequality is cultural, not structural, and nobody benefits from it
• How do Liberal Feminists believe society can be reformed?

  Through democratic processes and socialization
• What do Liberal Feminists believe about traditional gender roles?

  There has been a breakdown in traditional gender roles and attitudes
• What evidence do Liberal Feminists provide to show improvement towards gender equality?

  More women in education and careers than ever before
• What legislation is cited as evidence of progress towards gender equality?

  The Equal Pay Act (1970) and the Sex Discrimination Act (1980)
• What do the Equal Pay Act (1970) and the Sex Discrimination Act (1980) signify in terms of societal change?


  They show that society is moving towards equality on the basis of gender
• What are the four types of feminism mentioned in the study material?

  Radical Feminism
• What does Radical Feminism claim about the exploitation of women?

  It is directly and actively caused by men.
• How does Radical Feminism view societal structures?

  They are patriarchal and preserve the interests of men.
• In what ways do men oppress women according to Radical Feminism?

  Men are seen as the enemy of women.
• Where does patriarchy exist according to Radical Feminism?

  In both the public and private spheres.
• What is an example of a law that relates to the discussion of patriarchy in the study material?

  Marital Rape Law (1992)
• What are the four types of feminism mentioned in the study material?

  Radical Feminism
• What is the main belief of Radical Feminism regarding societal change?


  Change cannot be achieved through legislation and requires more radical approaches