Family and Households - Feminism Flashcards
What do almost all feminists agree about ‘gender’?
Gender is socially constructed
This indicates that gender roles are learned rather than biologically determined.
What institution is primarily responsible for socializing individuals into gender roles?
The family
The family is where norms of behavior and roles are learned.
How do different societies affect the perception of gender?
They construct being ‘women’ and ‘men’ in different ways
This leads to radically different behaviors among women and men across societies.
What term do feminists use to describe a society created by men for their benefit?
Patriarchal
This term reflects the systemic advantages men have over women.
What two key functions of the nuclear family do feminists argue oppress women?
- Socializing girls to accept subservient roles
- Socializing boys to believe they are superior
This socialization happens through children witnessing and recreating parental relationships.
What is the view of Liberal Feminists regarding the family?
A ‘March of Progress’ view
They believe the family is gradually improving and becoming more equal.
What evidence do Liberal Feminists provide for their view?
- Men doing more domestic labor
- More equal decision-making
- Similar socialization for male and female children
These changes have been facilitated by legal reforms and shifts in social attitudes.
Who is a key thinker associated with Liberal Feminism?
Jenny Somerville
Somerville argues that women’s roles have improved significantly but acknowledges the need for further reforms.
What do Liberal Feminists believe about the family as a patriarchal institution?
It makes little sense to classify it as such
They argue that major barriers to gender equality have been broken down.
What criticisms do Marxist Feminists have of the Liberal Feminist view?
- Women still do the majority of housework
- Women are still the primary child carers
- Women are most likely to be victims of domestic violence
These points highlight ongoing inequalities.
According to Marxist Feminists, what is the main cause of women’s oppression in the family?
Capitalism
They argue that capitalism exploits women’s labor.
What functions do women serve for capitalism according to Marxist Feminists?
- Reproducing the labor force
- Absorbing anger
- Acting as a reserve army of cheap labor
These roles help maintain capitalist structures.
Who is a key thinker in Marxist Feminism and what is her argument?
Fran Ansley argues that women absorb the anger directed at capitalism
This anger often manifests in domestic violence.
What solutions do Marxist Feminists propose to address gender inequalities?
- Economic reforms
- Paying women for childcare and housework
- Abolishing capitalism
They believe economic changes are crucial for addressing patriarchy.
What do Radical Feminists argue is the root cause of women’s oppression?
Patriarchy
They believe all relationships between men and women are based on this system.
What is the concept of ‘dual burden’ in Radical Feminism?
Women have to manage both paid work and unpaid housework
This reflects ongoing gender inequalities in domestic labor.
What is the ‘dark side of family life’ according to Radical Feminists?
Domestic violence
A significant portion of violent crime is domestic violence, disproportionately affecting women.
Who is a notable key thinker in Radical Feminism?
Kate Millet
She was a leading figure in the Second Wave Feminism movement.
What do Radical Feminists advocate for as a solution to gender inequality?
Abolition of the traditional nuclear family
They suggest alternative family structures and sexual relations.
What criticisms do Radical Feminists face?
- Ignoring progress made by women
- Being unrealistic about separatism
- Overlooking domestic violence against men
These criticisms highlight challenges in their perspective.
