Feminism Flashcards
In simple words define feminism
Is A social movement that advocates for economic, political, and social equality between women and men.
What do feminists argue
Feminists argue that a lot of mainstream sociology has been focused on the concerns of men – ‘malestream sociology’ – and has failed to deal with concerns and interests of women and the unequal position they have traditionally occupied in society.
Is Feminism a consensus or conflict theory. Explain.
Feminism is also a conflict theory as it sees the conflict of interests between males and females as the most important characteristic of society.
Plus it’s a structural theory that sees the social structure of most societies as patriarchal.
What are the four main strands within the feminist approach
Radical feminism - focuses on the problem of patriarchy - the system whereby males dominate in every area of society such as the family, the workplace and politics
Liberal feminism - emphasises the rights of women as individuals, and believes in removing all forms of discrimination to establish equality of opportunity for women.
Marxist feminism - takes a Marxist approach to the study of women and women’s interests, and emphasises the way in which women are doubly exploited – both as workers and as women. As a result of the structural factors caused by the capitalist economic system.
Difference feminism - sometimes referred to as postmodern or third-wave feminism. It rejects the view that women share a common experience or that experiences can be explained by a single feminist theory.
This approach celebrates difference and suggests there may be several paths to liberation depending on which group women belong to.
Define Social Action theory
The belief that the role of the active individual and interactions between people in shaping personal identity and in turn the wider society.
In what ways might Feminism be similar to Funct and Marxism
Both Marxism and feminism deal with a form of inequality within society Marx ( between classes) whereas feminists ( between sexes(
In what ways might Feminism challenge Funct and Marxism
Functionalism believes that society is characterised by harmony and stability. … Feminism, on the other hand, believes that society is characterised by conflict between men and women.
Feminists criticise the functionalist view which sees the family as an institution that benefits all of its members in equal measure. Feminists argue that this view is blind to the gendered aspect of power in the family; it is women who are seen to be responsible for the home and the children.
Functionalism believes values are agreed upon through a ‘value consensus’. Feminism does not believe that a value consensus exists and argues that values are imposed on women, by men, due to patriarchy.
Value consensus
A value consensus is shared values that are created by the whole of society.
