1.3 Feminism

Question 1

What is the role of the family in society?

Answer 1

Feminists are critical of the family as a social institutions. They believe that the family is a tool of female oppression and in particular the nuclear family serves the needs of men rather than women. This is through issues such as unequal division of domestic labour and domestic violence.

They believe that gender inequality is a social construction and not a natural phenomena.

Question 2

nuclear family has traditionally performed two key functions which oppressed women:

Answer 2

a) socialising girls to accept subservient roles within the family, whilst socialising boys to believe they were superior – this happens through children witnessing then recreating the parental relationship
b) socialising women into accepting the “housewife” role as the only possible/acceptable role for a women. Indeed it was the only way to be feminine/to be a woman. Essentially, feminists viewed the function of the family as a breeding ground where patriarchal values were learned by an individual, which in turn created a patriarchal society.

Question 3

Ann Oakley argues that although it teachs us norms and values they are P…….

Answer 3

Patriachal in the sense that their aim is to oppress women. From a young age gender stereotypes are perpetuated within the family in response to gendered toys and activities . dolls and become nurturing while boys are given toys that foster aggression. This reinforces the notion that women’s place is in the home = continues male privileges.

Question 4

Feminists see fam as neg cause its a private institution.

Answer 4

its members are often subjected to emotional or physical abuse and it can be
difficult for the state and legal system to intervene = This suggests that the family is a negative institution as its privatised nature means it is difficult to police within the legal framework of society.

Question 5

Liberal feminism and family

Answer 5

• • Liberal feminists focus on striving for legal equality between the sexes.
• — The family has long been a clear source of inequality. Marital rape was not formally recognised as a crime in the UK until 1991 (because of the notion that marriage gave a man “conjugal rights” that could not be withdrawn save through annulment or divorce).

—- Divorce laws have been reformed on many occasions to make them more equal, but it used to be much easier for a man to get a divorce than a woman

– Liberal feminists argue that most of those battles for legal equality have been won, however, there is clearly still inequality between the sexes (for example, in relation to domestic work). They put this down to the need to also change cultural values in society.

While families currently play a part in the oppression of women, they do not have to: it is possible to have a family life and gender equality—

Question 6

Radical feminism and family

Answer 6

All societies are based on patriarchy
Men are the enemy
The family and marriage are key institutions to patriarchal society

Separatism is the answer – women living independently of men.
Political lesbianism to avoid sleeping with the enemy

(Greer (2007) argue that many relationships between men & women in all spheres of life in contemporary society remain highly patriarchal & exploitative.)

Criticised for ignoring the progress that has been made in recent years

Question 7

RADICAL feminism: CRITICISMS?

Answer 7

• Portrays women as ‘essentially good’ and men being viewed as the enemy which suggest that they cannot be trusted.
• Creates social division.
• Patriarchy doesn’t explain why women are exploited.
• Exaggerates extend of inequality.
• Assume that women are passive victims in the family & do not have any choices.
• reverse sexism

Question 8

Marxist feminism and family

Answer 8

– Marxist feminists argue that families help to preserve both capitalism and patriarchy, and that the two work hand in hand.

• THE SOCIAL REPRODUCTION OF LABOUR POWER= capitalist system gets the benefit of unpaid female work as their workforce (and the next generation) are fed, looked after and kept happy to ensure they keep working hard and making profits for the bosses.

Question 9

MARXIST feminism: CRITICISMS?

Answer 9

× criticised for emphasis on capitalism - black fem argue thry ignore racism

× marx fem can be seen as outdated as most women now work

• Tends to ignore the diversity of modern family life assuming that everyone lives in a heterosexual nuclear family.