Feminism Flashcards
Radical Feminism - Firestone
Radical Feminists tend to have a very strong view of the causes of patriarchy and this is essentially men take an active part in maintaining patriarchy as all men benefit from the current system in some way at home or at work.
Some like Firestone suggest that patriarchy stems from biology as women have to give birth while others emphasise that patriarchy comes from culture and emphasise issues like domestic violence, rape and murder as techniques that men use to maintain patriarchy
How do radical feminists suggest we remove patriarchy
Some lesbias separtist feminists suggest only lesbians can be true feminists as they are totally free from men. Patriarchy needs to be replaced with matriarchy
EVALUATION of radical feminism
STRENGTH
- much evidence showing men do dominate and oppress women in the home - Dobash and Dobash
WEAKNESSES
- ideas are unrealistic
- what about equalities women have now gained
Liberal feminism
do not have a unified theory of what causes patriarchy, instead they believe that patriarchy is probably maintained and perpetuated by socialisation into gender roles (expressive and instrumental), gender stereotypes and ignorance. Patriarchy is negative for both men and women because it means women cant achieve top jobs but men are denied close relationships with their children
How do liberal feminists suggest patriarchy ends
Equality can be achieved by gradual change in the social system and it can be achieved by equal opportunity laws such as sex discrimination acts or development of paternity leave
EVALUATION of liberal feminists
STRENGTHS
- most popular form
- legal changes have bought more eqaulity
Marxist Feminists - Bartlett and Ansley
Suggest the cause of patriarchy is that it is beneficial to capitalism. She suggests this occurs due to capitalism producing a familism ideology. This is one where it is seen as natural for women to be at home and carry out domestic duties, this division of labour exists as it is beneficial to capitalism and essential for the subordination of women
Furthermore Ansley says women are the takers of shit where wc males take out their alienation and frustration from work on their wives and children
EVALUATION - marxist feminist
STRENGTHS
- offers definite answers to the causes of patriarchy and how to end it
- takes into account key economic factors that play a role in womens oppression
WEAKNESSES
- doesnt explain why under capitalism women are more exploited than men
- communism did not bring about the equality in countries where it took place
Black feminism
Black feminism rejects the view that women share all the same experiences of oppression. Points out black women in particular are oppressed by class and gender and race but the family could be a source of empowerment.
EVALUATION black feminism
STRENGTHS
- useful theory as recognises that different women have different experiences
WEAKNESSES
- no answers to cause of patriarchy
- ignore other factors like sexuality and disability
Post structural feminism
Most recent type of feminism that offers no universal answers to what causes patriarchy due to everyone experiencing patriarchy differently due to age, sex, disability etc
EVALUATION Post structural feminism
STRENGTHS
- most up to date feminist theory
WEAKNESSES
- lose sight of importance of the importance of inequality and the fact that it is universal for many women
