Feminism Flashcards
What do ALL feminists agree on regarding human nature?
Nature is a key factor in the oppression of women, and this oppression can and should be overthrown.
What is the view of equality feminists on human nature?
Human nature is androgynous; gender is a social construct (De Beauvoir).
What does Perkins Gilman say about the female mind?
“There is no female mind.”
What is the view of difference feminists on human nature?
There are natural differences between men and women that are more than ‘skin deep’ (O’Brien).
How do difference feminists believe female nature should be treated?
Women should let their female nature flourish; biology may have given women an inferior status, but that needn’t continue.
How do difference feminists view equality feminism?
They disagree on how female emancipation should be achieved, criticizing equality feminism for encouraging women to be ‘male identified.’
What is a key goal of difference feminists?
Women-only communities and valuing female characteristics above male ones.
What does Wollstonecraft say about women’s rationality?
Women have the same ability to be rational as men.
What does Friedan say about equality rights?
Women deserve equal rights based on foundational equality.
What does Millett argue about gender stereotypes?
They should be challenged because gender is at the heart of patriarchy.
What is Firestone’s view on sex differences?
They should be removed to eliminate patriarchy.
What do ALL feminists believe about society?
It disadvantages women as it is patriarchal and should be challenged.
How do liberal feminists view patriarchy?
It is a characteristic of society but not a fundamental one.
What does Perkins Gilman argue about societal culture?
Society reinforces a culture that prevents women from making their choices.
What does Friedan call the cultural reinforcement of gender roles?
The “problem with no name.”
What is the liberal feminist view on the private sphere?
It is needed for personal freedom, but women should have a choice to lead non-stereotypical lives.
What is the socialist feminist view on working-class women?
They are disadvantaged by both capitalism and patriarchy.
What does Rowbotham argue about the nature of society?
It is economically determined.
Why does capitalism depend on patriarchy according to socialist feminists?
Women serve as a ‘reserve army of labour’ and provide free labour in the home.
How does Engels describe romantic love?
A ‘myth’ used to maintain male-dominated relationships.
What does De Beauvoir argue about women in society?
Women are ‘othered’ in society.
What do radical feminists believe about patriarchy?
It is the most fundamental distinction in society.
What does Millett say about the family?
It is key to patriarchal society.
What do radical feminists argue about women’s consciousness?
It is distorted by society, so their ‘choice’ may not be a true choice.
What are some radical feminist proposals?
Abolition of the nuclear family, communal living, and elimination of biological roles in society.
What does Crenshaw argue about feminism?
The problems women face are intersectional.
What does hooks argue about feminism and racism?
The battle against sexism must go ‘hand in hand’ with the battle against racism.
How do some postmodern feminists view choice?
Choice is key, even if it means accepting patriarchal lives (linked to liberal feminism).
What do ALL feminists believe about the state?
It has historically been patriarchal and should be challenged.
What role can the state play in feminism?
It can create and protect women’s rights (e.g., voting rights, employment rights, anti-discrimination laws, abortion rights).
What concern do feminists have about state power?
The state is a necessary evil and must be constrained to prevent violations of choice in the private sphere.
What is the liberal feminist view on women’s economic participation?
Women should be encouraged and protected in capitalist society.
What is the socialist feminist view on the state?
It is a tool of the bourgeoisie that maintains female oppression.
What is a radical feminist critique of the state’s regulation of women’s rights?
Laws alone do not go far enough; attitudes must change.
What does Dworkin argue about pornography?
The liberal state’s defense of pornography legitimizes violence against women.
How does the state ignore intersectionality?
It often reflects white middle-class interests and overlooks the experiences of BAME women.
Why is a blanket set of rights insufficient for women?
It does not prevent discrimination in society.
What do ALL feminists believe about women’s economic status?
Women should seek economic independence from men.
How do ALL feminists view the economy?
Women face discrimination in the economy, including lower pay, unpaid labour in the home, and the glass ceiling.
What do liberal feminists advocate for in the economy?
Women should have access to the free market and equality of opportunity.
How do socialist feminists view women’s economic exploitation?
Women’s domestic servitude allows men to dominate (Perkins Gilman).
What does Engels argue about women’s labour?
Women are a reserve army of labour, a view repeated by Rowbotham.
What do modern socialist feminists say about Engels’ focus on property?
He placed too much emphasis on property; women can now own property but are still exploited.
What does Rowbotham say about the family?
It is a place where men take refuge from capitalist exploitation.
What is meant by ‘revolution within a revolution’ (Rowbotham)?
A socialist revolution must also include a feminist revolution to address women’s oppression.
What do intersectional feminists argue about global feminism?
Feminism must engage with women in the developing world, who face more severe struggles than those in MEDCs.
What do postmodern feminists argue about women’s choices?
Women should be free to participate in traditional patriarchal activities, such as lap dancing and pornography.
What do ALL feminists believe about society?
It disadvantages women as it is patriarchal and should be challenged.
How do liberal feminists view patriarchy?
It is a characteristic of society but not a fundamental one.
What does Perkins Gilman argue about societal culture?
Society reinforces a culture that prevents women from making their choices.
What does Friedan call the cultural reinforcement of gender roles?
The “problem with no name.”
What is the liberal feminist view on the private sphere?
It is needed for personal freedom, but women should have a choice to lead non-stereotypical lives.
What is the socialist feminist view on working-class women?
They are disadvantaged by both capitalism and patriarchy.
What does Rowbotham argue about the nature of society?
It is economically determined.
Why does capitalism depend on patriarchy according to socialist feminists?
Women serve as a ‘reserve army of labour’ and provide free labour in the home.
