feminist theories

• What does feminism seek to change in society?

  The position of women in society
• How does feminism view society?

  As male dominated
• When did the roots of feminism begin?

  In the 18th century Enlightenment
• What principles did the Enlightenment proclaim?

  Liberty and equality
• What do feminists argue regarding reason and gender?

  Both sexes have the same power of reason
• What is liberal or reformist feminism concerned with?

  Human and civil rights of individuals
• What is reformism in the context of feminism?

  Progress through gradual reforms
• How do liberal feminists believe gender equality can be achieved?

  Through laws and policies against discrimination
• What cultural changes do liberal feminists advocate?

  Changing traditional prejudices and stereotypes
• What does 'sex' refer to in feminist theory?

  Biological differences between males and females
• What does 'gender' refer to in feminist theory?

  Culturally constructed differences between roles
• How do gender differences vary according to liberal feminists?

  They vary between cultures and over time
• What do liberal feminists believe is necessary for achieving gender equality?

  Changing socialisation patterns
• What is the main critique of functionalist views by liberal feminists?

  They argue men and women can perform both roles
• What is the key concept of radical feminism?

  Patriarchy
• How do radical feminists view patriarchy?

  As universal and dominant in all societies
• According to radical feminists, what is the primary form of inequality?

  Patriarchy
• What do radical feminists claim about men and women?

  All men oppress all women
• What do radical feminists believe about women's emancipation?

  It benefits both men and women
• What evidence do liberal feminists provide in sociology?

  Documenting gender inequality and discrimination
• What do critics say about liberal feminism's view of obstacles to emancipation?

  They see them as deep-seated structures
• What do radical feminists mean by 'the personal is political'?

  Personal relationships involve power dynamics
• How do radical feminists view sexuality?

  As constructed to satisfy men's desires
• What is one proposed solution by radical feminists for women's freedom?

  Separatism from men
• What do Marxist feminists believe about women's subordination?

  It is rooted in capitalism
• What do Marxist feminists argue about the role of women in capitalism?

  Women are unpaid homemakers
• What do Marxist feminists claim about the benefits of women's subordination?

  Capitalism is the main beneficiary
• What do critics say about radical feminism's view of patriarchy?

  It lacks explanation for varying forms of subordination
• What do liberal feminists argue about women's position in recent years?

  It has improved due to social reforms
• What do radical feminists neglect in their focus on male violence?

  Women's violence against men
• What is one way patriarchal power may be exercised within the family?

  Through domestic violence
• What does nurturing the next generation of workers involve?

  Socialising children for future roles
• How might women's domestic role enable capitalists to pay male workers less?

  By assuming women depend on husbands' earnings
• What are the main feminist theories discussed in the material?

  • Liberal or reformist feminism
  • Radical feminism
  • Marxist feminism
• What are the key differences between liberal feminism and radical feminism?

  Liberal Feminism:

  • Focuses on gradual reforms
  • Sees gender equality achievable through laws

  
  

  Radical Feminism:

  • Emphasizes patriarchy as universal
  • Advocates for revolutionary changes
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of radical feminism?

  Strengths:

  • Highlights personal relationships' political nature
  • Addresses issues like domestic violence and rape

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lacks explanation for varying subordination forms
  • Ignores class and ethnic differences among women
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of liberal feminism?

  Strengths:

  • Documents gender inequality
  • Advocates for legal reforms

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Overly optimistic about gradual change
  • Ignores deep-seated structures of oppression
• What are the two main roles of women in relation to capitalism according to Marxist feminists?

  Nurturing future workers and servicing current workers
• How does women's domestic role affect male workers' wages?

  It allows capitalists to pay them less
• What is one function of women's subordination in capitalism?

  Women provide cheap, exploitable labor