Feminism Flashcards
Define the term patriarchy in feminist theory
Patriarchy refers to a social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and economic control, while women are systematically disadvantaged
What do feminists mean by “the personal is political”?
This phrase, popularized by second-wave feminists, means that personal experiences, particularly those of women (such as domestic labor, reproductive rights, and violence), are shaped by broader political structures and power dynamics. It challenges the idea that gender inequality is only a private issue.
Explain the difference between sex and gender
Sex refers to biological differences between males and females, such as anatomy and reproductive systems.
Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expectations assigned to men and women, which vary across cultures and time periods.
What is the main focus of liberal feminism?
Liberal feminism focuses on achieving gender equality through political and legal reforms within the existing system. It emphasizes equal rights, legal equality, and individual freedoms, advocating for policies such as equal pay, anti-discrimination laws, and education access
How do socialist feminists explain women’s oppression?
Socialist feminists argue that women’s oppression is rooted in capitalism, which exploits women both as unpaid domestic workers and as low-paid wage laborers. They believe that true gender equality requires the overthrow of capitalism and the restructuring of economic and social systems
What is intersectionality, and which feminist thinker is most associated with it?
Intersectionality is a concept that examines how multiple social identities (such as race, class, and gender) overlap and create unique experiences of oppression. It was introduced by bell hooks and later developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw
What is the key argument of Kate Millett’s feminist critique of the family?
Kate Millett argued that the traditional family structure reinforces patriarchy by socializing children into gender roles that maintain male dominance. She believed that dismantling the patriarchal family was essential for achieving gender equality.
Why do radical feminists argue that patriarchy is the most fundamental form of oppression?
Radical feminists believe that gender oppression is the first and most pervasive form of oppression in all societies. They argue that patriarchy exists independently of capitalism and manifests in institutions like the family, religion, and the media. They advocate for revolutionary change, including the abolition of traditional gender roles and male-dominated institutions
What is feminism?
Feminism is characterised by the belief that gender is the most significant division in society, and a desire to overthrow any disadvantage conferred due to sex.
