Difference Feminism Flashcards
What do they talk about?
The highlight the differences between groups of women and how this causes differences in their experiences of family life
An example of difference feminism
A lone parent mother will have a different experience to a mother within a stable relationship
What do Barrett and McIntosh believe about the family?
Due to the huge differences between families, it is impossible to say that the family performs certain functions which are beneficial to capitalist society or men
What do they mean by “anti social”
There is a strong family ideology evident within society - the family is very insular and inward looking and creates barriers between people
Although the family is seen to be loving and caring, what do they ignore?
The extent to which women experience domestic abuse
What percentage of women experience domestic abuse?
25%
Who else agrees with Barrett and Macintosh about the family ideology within society being very positive?
Nicholson
What does Nicholson say about the experience of women in different family types?
Women that live in alternative families may be better than the experience of women living in the traditional nuclear family
Example of Nicholson?
Poor black women in the USA who live in mother-centred families develop close relationships with other women in similar situation, sharing childcare and going each other emotional support
In conclusion, what does Nicholson say?
Despite a women’s difference within a family, all families should be regarded as ideal as they cater for their differing needs of different women
Calhoun
Argues that the experiences of women within lesbian relationships have been largely ignored by feminists yet the study of them can contribute to feminist understandings of the family
What does Calhoun say about patriarchy?
Lesbian families can avoid being patriarchal and allows women a different experience due to the absence of men within a relationship
What doe Calhoun say about modern family life
Modern family life is typified by choice which is exemplified by lesbian and gay relationships
What does Calhoun mean by “chosen families”
Gay couples can decide their won roles as their is no socially prescribed role for either partner
Criticisms of difference feminism
Lose sight of the unequalises between men and women in stressing the range of choices open to people and neglect the common experience of most women within the family
