feminism Flashcards
what is the difference between sex and gender?
sex is the biological differences between men and women (e.g childbirth and physical strength)
gender is the cultural difference which have led to feelings of superiority by men (e.g men are better CEOs women are suited to childcare). these are an artificial construct
what do liberal feminists believe about sex and gender differences?
thinkers such as Frieden accept sex differences but regard gender differences as artificial construct created by patriarchal society.
how do liberal feminist propose change in sex and gender belief?
respond through education and reform through legislation and the media. the cycle of male dominated attitudes must be broken by fundamental change
what is the patriarchal society?
a society dominated by men
what do radical feminists believe on sex and gender?
Kate millet and Juliet Mitchell- sees gender differences as more deep rooted. male gender exists in all aspects of life and must be destroyed in all theses places.
how do radical feminists propose change in sex and gender belief?
there needs to a be cultural revolution to combat patriarchy. Firestone believed in the removal of all sexual functions thus removing sex differences
what do socialist feminists believe about sex and gender?
the oppression and inferior status of women is caused by capitalism, women like workers have become the oppressed class, and are used as a cheap source of labour as in the home are a largely unpaid workforce
what do socialist feminists see as the solution to sex and gender?
the destruction of capitalism, or at least modification giving women same protection and pay as men
what is meant by the term ‘the personal is political’?
coined by Firestone, refers to the idea that any personal relationship between men and women is itself political, as men will seek to undermine women and assert their dominance over them as a result of patriarchy. No relationship in the private sphere is without significance in the political sphere.
what is the general feminist theory on the state?
there is no definitive idea of the state however most believe that that patriarchy reinforces the state
what do socialists feminists believe about the state?
see the state as an agent of capitalism and as capitalism naturally exploits women, the state is the ultimate exploiter
what do liberal feminists believe about the state?
liberals point to the reluctance of the state to address the inferior position of women. governments are run by men and so provide change through legislation such as: equality laws, equal pay, improve education, anti-discrimination laws
what do radical feminists believe about the state?
reform does not address fundamental problem of systemic nature of discrimination. problems are deeply rooted in culture and state is powerless to combat them
what do radical feminists believe about society?
patriarchy is fundamental in modern society. see the removal of patriarchy as the emancipation of women, but as it is so deeply rooted within: politics, economy, culture and media it can only be combatted in two ways.
full scale attack on cultural values in society and creation of female counter culture
what is equality feminism?
they seek equality for women in all spheres, argue that difference automatically leads to inequality and the male superiority must b destroyed
what is difference feminism?
the differences between men and women should be embraced but not fought against. they do not accept that one gender is superior to the other. however some. difference feminists believe that female characteristics are superior to male
what is intersectional feminism?
women have multiple identities such as their race Aswell as gender and sex. also points out that women experience different levels of oppression e.g white, middle class women have a different experience to black women or disabled women. bell hooks stresses race as key issue
what is the general feminist theory about the economy?
all agree that women are discriminated against in the economic world. this can be by: used as form of unpaid labour in the home, used as low pay labour or dispensable, women are paid lower wages, women often left out of senior jobs
what do socialist feminists believe about the economy?
oppression of women is caused by capitalism, which has reduced them to wage slaves. women are used as a reserve army of labour.
what are core ideas to liberal feminism?
- liberty- women should be free to choose own lives
- equality of opportunity
- equal rights with men
- equal democratic rights
what is meant by the term ‘otherness’?
theory that refers to the position of women in society, treated as separate and inferior
de Beauvoir called women the ‘second sex’
how did liberals suggest combatting patriarchy?
- women should make own choice on what roles they want to play
- combat cultural attitudes through education and opposition to sexist attitudes
- women have to achieve formal equality in all fields, through legislation