Feminism

Question 1

What do they argue

Answer 1

Argue that the state and its policies seek to maintain women’s subordinate role in society/unequal gender division of labour in the family

Question 2

What does social policy often do?

Answer 2

Social policy often makes assumptions as to the ‘normal’ family
Assumes the ‘norm’ is a married couple, male breadwinner and female homemaker – taxes and benefits are organised around this assumption
This makes life difficult for those in different familial set ups

Question 3

Examples?

Answer 3

Examples:
Courts assume that women should have custody of children after divorce
Although maternity leave is longer for women than men’s paternity leave, this reinforces the idea that women are the primary caregivers for infants
Can be difficult for married women to claim benefits, as it is assumed that they will be provided for by their husbands