Feminism Flashcards
What do Difference Feminists believe?
Women shouldn’t be seen as one homogenous group - ignores differences in culture
What are the 2 strands of Different Feminists? (Faludi and Brooks)
Theory that Feminism is no longer needed as women have already won equality
- Faludi: fighting against men as it’s been unfair for so long
- Brooks: we need to be more Post Modern and we should debate difference rather than equality
What is Paglia’s Power Feminism?
Women should not be victims and instead should celebrate their new found power/opportunities - women should try be equal to men but still have differences
What is Walter’s Equality Feminism?
Modern women support Feminism, however they don’t like stereotypes associated with it, e.g. extreme suffragettes - modern women would rather be called ‘New Feminists’ or ‘Equality Feminists’
What is Harkim’s Rational Choice Theory?
Feminist theories of patriarchy are inaccurate and misleading
Women are not victims, instead they chose part time work themselves as they prioritise childcare and would prefer to be supported by partner or state
Why does Ginn et al and Harkim criticise Difference Feminists? and Name another criticism
G: usually employers rather men than women who dictate their role in the secondary labour market or at home
H: victim blaming, doesn’t look at structural factors
Women who aren’t married/have no children are still disadvantaged in the labour market
What do Radical Feminists argue about male domination?
Exists in all known societies
What is Separatism? and Why does this occur? (RF)
Having no contact with women - sleeping with men is ‘sleeping with the enemy’
Think relationships are oppressive
What do Radical feminists argue patriarchy causes?
Social inequality and conflict in society
What can sharing their experience of the same problem lead to? (RF)
Collective action against their problem - protest
What did Brownmiller find? (RF)
Fear of rape makes women not want to go out at night
What does Rich argue? (RF)
Men force women into unsatisfying compulsory heterosexuality
What are 3 criticisms of Radical Feminists?
Marxists: class is the primary form of inequality Theory offers no explanation on why subordination takes different forms in different societies Doesn't take into consideration violence from women to another women as well as men, only focuses on violence from men
What do Liberal Feminists believe?
Stereotypes and beliefs about gender are constructed through socialisation - to change this, we must change societies socialisation pattern
What does Oakley argue? (LF)
Sex = genes, Gender = way we’re brought up
What do Liberal Feminists say about the sex discrimination act?
Gives equality to men and women, equal pay, no sexual harrassment
Name a strength of Liberal Feminists
Evidence to show extent of gender divisions in society - shown their differences are not necessarily biological
Name 3 weaknesses of Liberal Feminists
Radical Feminists: theory is too optimistic
Marxist/Radical: they are naive
Marxists: evolutionary changes are needed to bring equal rights
What do Marxist Feminists believe?
Women are exploited by capitalism - e.g. vertical/horizontal segregaton
What do Marxist Feminists reject/dismiss?
The subordination role (Lib Feminist view) - believe it is outdated
The idea about patriarchy (Rad Feminist view)
What do Marxist Feminists argue about capitalism?
Needs to be overthrown to secure womens liberation
Name 5 reasons why women are more likely to be exploited according to Marxist Feminists
- Primary labour market - stereotyping, e.g. Caters and cleaners
- Less likely to be employed due to discrimination - part time, maternity
- Vertical segregation - men have higher positions
- Horizontal segregation
- Lower wages than male counterparts - reserve army of labour
What is Barrett’s Familism? (MF)
The dominant ideology which is enforced in capitalist societies presents a nuclear family - this is seen as the only place where women can attain fulfilment, e.g. raise children and teach them norms/values
Name a strength of Marxist Feminists
Theory gives an insight on the relationship between capitalist societies and womens subordinate position within it
