Feminism

Question 1

What do Difference Feminists believe?

Answer 1

Women shouldn’t be seen as one homogenous group - ignores differences in culture

Question 2

What are the 2 strands of Different Feminists? (Faludi and Brooks)

Answer 2

Theory that Feminism is no longer needed as women have already won equality

1. Faludi: fighting against men as it’s been unfair for so long
2. Brooks: we need to be more Post Modern and we should debate difference rather than equality

Question 3

What is Paglia’s Power Feminism?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is Walter’s Equality Feminism?

Answer 4

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’

Question 5

What is Harkim’s Rational Choice Theory?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Why does Ginn et al and Harkim criticise Difference Feminists? and Name another criticism

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What do Radical Feminists argue about male domination?

Answer 7

Exists in all known societies

Question 8

What is Separatism? and Why does this occur? (RF)

Answer 8

Having no contact with women - sleeping with men is ‘sleeping with the enemy’
Think relationships are oppressive

Question 9

What do Radical feminists argue patriarchy causes?

Answer 9

Social inequality and conflict in society

Question 10

What can sharing their experience of the same problem lead to? (RF)

Answer 10

Collective action against their problem - protest

Question 11

What did Brownmiller find? (RF)

Answer 11

Fear of rape makes women not want to go out at night

Question 12

What does Rich argue? (RF)

Answer 12

Men force women into unsatisfying compulsory heterosexuality

Question 13

What are 3 criticisms of Radical Feminists?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What do Liberal Feminists believe?

Answer 14

Stereotypes and beliefs about gender are constructed through socialisation - to change this, we must change societies socialisation pattern

Question 15

What does Oakley argue? (LF)

Answer 15

Sex = genes, Gender = way we’re brought up

Question 16

What do Liberal Feminists say about the sex discrimination act?

Answer 16

Gives equality to men and women, equal pay, no sexual harrassment

Question 17

Name a strength of Liberal Feminists

Answer 17

Evidence to show extent of gender divisions in society - shown their differences are not necessarily biological

Question 18

Name 3 weaknesses of Liberal Feminists

Answer 18

Radical Feminists: theory is too optimistic
Marxist/Radical: they are naive
Marxists: evolutionary changes are needed to bring equal rights

Question 19

What do Marxist Feminists believe?

Answer 19

Women are exploited by capitalism - e.g. vertical/horizontal segregaton

Question 20

What do Marxist Feminists reject/dismiss?

Answer 20

The subordination role (Lib Feminist view) - believe it is outdated
The idea about patriarchy (Rad Feminist view)

Question 21

What do Marxist Feminists argue about capitalism?

Answer 21

Needs to be overthrown to secure womens liberation

Question 22

Name 5 reasons why women are more likely to be exploited according to Marxist Feminists

Answer 22

1. Primary labour market - stereotyping, e.g. Caters and cleaners
2. Less likely to be employed due to discrimination - part time, maternity
3. Vertical segregation - men have higher positions
4. Horizontal segregation
5. Lower wages than male counterparts - reserve army of labour

Question 23

What is Barrett’s Familism? (MF)

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Name a strength of Marxist Feminists

Answer 24

Theory gives an insight on the relationship between capitalist societies and womens subordinate position within it

Question 25

Name 3 weaknesses of Marxist Feminists

Answer 25

1. doesn’t include much emphasis on patriarchy and men oppressing women
2. fails to explain exploitation and subordination in non-capitalist societies
3. does not explain why unpaid domestic labour may benefit capitalism and why only men perform it