Core Ideas

Question 1

Sex and gender

Answer 1

Sex refers to biological differences between men and women, whilst gender refers to the different roles society ascribe to men and women.

Question 2

Patriarchy

Answer 2

Society, state and the economy are characterised by systematic, institutionalised gender oppression.

Question 3

The personal is political

Answer 3

Belief that all relationships, including private ones, are based on power and dominance if they are between men and women.

Question 4

Equality feminism

Answer 4

Equality for men and women in society.

Question 5

Difference feminism

Answer 5

Men and women have fundamentally different nature.

Question 6

Intersectionality

Answer 6

Different social factors contribute to discrimination, women will experience discrimination differently therefore according to other factors such as ethnicity.

Question 7

Public sphere

Answer 7

Society which is made up of individuals and institutions.

Question 8

Private sphere

Answer 8

Individuals enjoy a degree of relative autonomy without external interference.

Question 9

Essentialism

Answer 9

Belief that essence (role/purpose) comes before existence.