Intro

• Feminism:

  • Macro
  • Negative
  • Conflict theory
• Feminism emerged in 1792 when Wollstonecraft published 'Vindication of the Rights of Women'. This challenged mainstream sociology as it was focused on male perspective and ignoring gender inequalities in all social structures. Feminism revolutionised sociology by putting women and gender at the heart of sociological thinking.
• In the 1960s, women still had no right to full equality with men. Feminism focused on women's unequal position in society and aimed to improve women's lives. Feminists argue we live in a patriarchal society in which men can easily dominate women through their lack of status and power. This is the subordination of women by unequal interpersonal relations, oppression of women by sexism and the exploitation of women's skills and labour.
• Functionalists argue gender inequality is part of society's functionality and is based on biological differences. Women take on 'expressive' roles in the household as their function to society is reproducing to create the labour market.
• Different types of feminism:

  • Radical
  • Liberal
  • Marxist
  • Dual Labour system
  • Postmodernist