Feminism

Question 1

Key aspects.

Answer 1

Inequality men and women.
Gender norms socially constructed not bio.
Patriarchy causes gender inequality.
Feminism rectify sexual inequalities.

Question 2

Conflict or consensus?

Structural or social action?

Answer 2

Conflict.

Structural (top down)- society imposes things upon us.

Question 3

Describe radical feminism.

Answer 3

All men bad.

Patriarchy main form of inequality in society.

Question 4

What does Radical feminist Firestone say is the basis for women’ inequalities?

Answer 4

women’s bio basis for inequality/ domination by men (menstruate, birth, breastfeed, dependant on others) allows men gain power/control, thus patriarchy.

Question 5

Evaluate radical feminism.

Answer 5

Greer (2007) – Supports all men bad, relationships between men and women patriarchal/exploitative.

Ignores other reasons for inequalities (class, ethnicity).

Question 6

Describe Marxist feminists.

Answer 6

Some men bad.
Inequality due to class.
Women doubly exploited; workers and women.

Question 7

Evaluate Marxist feminists

Answer 7

Doesn’t acknowledge non-capitalists countries where patriarchy issue (China, Cuba).

Question 8

Example of a Liberal feminist.

Answer 8

Anne Oakley

Question 9

Describe Liberal feminists

Answer 9

focus on ensuring women have equal opportunities as men. Women are capable.
Acknowledge differences between men and women better since Equal Pay Act (1970) and Sex Discrimination Act (1975).

Question 10

Evaluate Liberal feminists

Answer 10

Look at laws/ changing ideas to eliminate inequalities- don’t happen quickly/ guarantee social change; over-optimistic.

Walby- no explanation forstructures of gender inequalities.

Question 11

Describe Black and difference feminists.

Answer 11

Women oppressed by patriarchy, capitalism and racism.
Minority-ethnic, working-class women most discriminated against.
Women aren’t a single group- critique other feminists for thinking so.