1. The Functions of families; Feminist theories of the family Flashcards
Feminist theories of the family
what do the feminists belive about the family?
- take a critical view of the family saying that it exploits and oppresses women
- they believe that gender inequality is not natural but is something created by society (socially constructed)
- gender (social construction) is different to your sex (biological/physical)
Radical feminism
information of radical feminism
- emerged in the 1960s
- sex discrimination act was brought to light by radical feminists
Radical feminism
what are the key ideas of radical feminism?
- men are the enemy - they are the source of women’s exploitation and suppression
- The family and marriage are the key institutions in patriarchal society which enable men to retain their power and dominance by forcing women into the housewife/mother role so that they cannot break free and become equal.
Radical feminism - Germain Greer (2000)
explain women as wives
- Greer argues that being a wife is seen as the most important role for women, often portrayed as subservient, especially for wives of prominent men like presidents or prime ministers.
- Marriage reinforces patriarchal inequality, with brides symbolizing traditional femininity and marriages often settling into gendered roles.
- Husbands spend more time outside the home, do less housework, and benefit more from the relationship, while wives focus on keeping their husbands happy.
- Although society claims women need marriage for happiness, married men report higher satisfaction than single men, while single women are happier than married women.
- Notably, 75% of divorces are initiated by women, which Greer sees as a positive rejection of traditional family roles and the suffering they impose on women
Radical feminism - Germain Greer (2000)
explain women as mothers
- Greer acknowledges that while motherhood can be satisfying, society imposes significant physical and emotional burdens on mothers with little recognition or support.
- During childbirth, the focus is on the baby rather than the mother’s health, and mothers often face exclusion from public spaces.
- Women are expected to return to work quickly while managing childcare, and societal pressure demands they regain a slim figure after childbirth, as the maternal body is deemed undesirable.
- Mothers, particularly single mothers, are frequently blamed if their children have problems.
Radical feminism - Germain Greer (2000)
explain women as daughters
- Greer argues that men seek control over women, including daughters, who may face sexual abuse from fathers, stepfathers, or male relatives—an extension of patriarchy and male heterosexuality.
- This abuse is more common than society admits, which also normalizes the sexualization of youth through terms like “babes,” reflecting male desire for youth.
Radical feminism - Firestone
what does Firetone argue?
- pregnancy and childbirth are the main reasons for the inequality between men and women
- women are/were forced to rely on a man during pregnancy/whilst caring for babies. this is when men take control
- her solution to give birth is to use an artificial woumb, however it would still cause for the same treatment at home as women would still be expected to take cate of the child rather then the father
Radical Feminist solutions to female exploitation
what are the solutions to female exploitation?
- they argue that the partiarchal system needs to be abolished
- the family must be abolished as this is the root of women’s oppression
- the only way to achieve this is through ‘separatism’, which is when women must organise themselves to live independently of men
what do some radical feminists believe in?
- Political lesbianism - meaning to make a political choice to only have a relationship with women
- Greer (2000) matrifocal - meaning that a family is headed by women
what are the weaknesses of radical feminism?
- don’t choose our sexuality
- many women are heterosexual and are attracted to men, ‘political lesbianism’ would make heterosexual women feel oppressed
- creates inequality between sexes
critisms of radical feminism
what are the critisms of radical feminists?
liberal feminist critique
Sommerville (2000) argues that radical feminists fail to recognise that women’s position in society has improved considerbly - through better job and educational opportunities, control over their own fertility etc
Radical feminism
what has given women greater control over their fertility?
- abortion is legalised up to 24 weeks
- more access to birth control (for free) became available in 1960s
Radical feminism
why are many not in favour of political lesbianism?
- some women are heterosexual and are attracted to men
- women wouldn’t want to be forced to be lesbian
- women may feel more oppressed
Liberal feminism
what do the liberal feminists believe?
- society is patriarchal
- do not see the need for a poltical or social revolution
- they see change as gradual over time
- women are oppressed due to: socialisation into tradtional gender roles
- liberal feminists want to change the ways we social children
Liberal feminism
what are examples of reinforced masculine characteristics?
- to be tough
- boys were supposed to be noisy, boistrous
- boys are brave
- boys don’t fall in love with other boys
- boys are not virgins
- be physical
- be practical
