Feminism

• What is the foundational idea of feminism?

  Feminism is based on the idea of conflict.
• Why do feminists believe mainstream sociology is inadequate?

  It has traditionally ignored the role of women.
• How do different feminist approaches view patriarchy's status?

  Some see it in decline, others see it powerful.
• What do liberal feminists attribute educational inequalities to?

  • Traditional gender patterns of socialisation
  • Social processes inside schools, like teacher expectations
• What is the feminist perspective on the family structure?

  • The family is exploitative and oppressive for women.
  • It is a patriarchal unit with unequal relationships.
  • This can lead to abuse of women.
• What do radical feminists believe about religion?

  It is an instrument of domination and oppression.
• What did the Vatican declare about women's ordination in 2012?

  It was declared a "grave crime."
• Why do liberal feminists claim women commit less crime?

  They are less socialised into aggressive values.
• What do radical feminists attribute domestic violence to?

  Patriarchal control over women.
• How do postmodern feminists explain rises in female crime?

  Shifting gender roles and poverty experienced.
• How do liberal feminists propose to change society?

  By promoting appropriate role models in education.
• What are the main themes of liberal/reformist feminism?

  • Equal rights for all human beings
  • Change through legal reforms
  • Cultural change to challenge traditional gender roles
• What do liberal feminists believe about traditional gender roles?

  They are culturally constructed barriers to equality.
• What do liberal feminists think about the need for revolution?

  Change is evolutionary, not revolutionary.
• What did the High Court decide in 2012 regarding Birmingham Council?

  They forced compensation for underpaid women.
• What criticism do liberal feminists face regarding their views on emancipation?

  They may overlook structural causes like patriarchy.
• What do radical feminists believe about the nature of patriarchy?

  It is universal and the fundamental cause of inequality.
• How do radical feminists view men in relation to women?

  All men oppress all women through patriarchy.
• What does Firestone argue about the origin of patriarchy?

  It lies in women's biological capacity for caregiving.
• What do Marxist feminists argue is the primary form of inequality?

  Class, not patriarchy, is the main issue.
• How do radical feminists view power relationships?

  They see them as political and dominated by men.
• What do radical feminists suggest as a solution to patriarchy?

  Radical changes to societal organization are needed.
• What are the proposed solutions by radical feminists?

  1. Separatism: Living apart from men.
  2. Consciousness-raising: Sharing experiences in women-only groups.
  3. Political Lesbianism: Advocating for lesbian relationships as non-oppressive.
• What do critics say about the concept of separatism?

  It is unlikely to be achievable due to attraction.
• What do consciousness-raising groups aim to achieve?

  They aim to share experiences and promote collective action.
• What do political lesbians believe about heterosexual relationships?

  They view them as oppressive and problematic.
• What do liberal feminists argue about women's position in society today?

  It has improved due to social reforms.
• What do Marxist feminists believe about women's oppression?

  It is linked to capitalism and class systems.
• What are the ways Marxist feminists argue women reinforce capitalism?

  1. Reproducing the labor force through domestic work.
  2. Serving as a cheap and flexible labor force.
  3. Absorbing men's anger from capitalist exploitation.
• What do critics say about Marxist feminism's focus on capitalism?

  It overlooks men's role in women's oppression.
• What do difference feminists criticize about modern feminism?

  It is essentialist and ignores diverse experiences.
• What is essentialism in the context of feminism?

  It assumes all women share the same experiences.
• How do difference feminists view the family?

  As a source of resistance against racism.
• What do difference feminists argue about Western feminism?

  It neglects issues faced by women in poorer countries.
• What do poststructuralist feminists argue about identity?

  It is formed through discourses relevant to time and place.
• What do functionalists believe about gender roles?

  They are based on biological differences.
• How do functionalists view the conflict between genders?

  As a result of outdated attitudes, not inevitable.
• What do classical Marxists believe about gender conflict?

  It distracts from class conflict issues.
• What do postmodernists criticize about modernist feminist theories?

  They ignore social problems caused by males.
• What do postmodernists highlight about male masculinity?

  It causes social problems like gang violence.