Feminism and the family

Question 1

Radical feminism

Answer 1

Focuses on male dominance= Patriarchy
Men= Problem

Patriarchy must be abolished and with it the nuclear family

Political lesbianism= sexual orientation is a political choice

Question 2

Delphy and leonard (1992)- Radical feminism

Answer 2

Nuclear Family= Patriarchal institution
Men=Key decision makers= power position, control finances and property

women= expected to perform domestic tasks and reproductive and sexual work. They do most of the work in the family but men benefit.

Question 3

Marxist feminism

Answer 3

Cause of patriarchy is capitalism

Question 4

Studies

Answer 4

Margaret Benston (1972) unpaid labour

Women reproduce labour power in 2 ways:
Renewing mens ability to go back to work and profits for the capitalists

Ansley (1976)
women= “Takers of shit” and “Safety Valves”
husband return home and take their frustration and anger out on their wives. They absorb their husband’s legitimate anger and frustration out at their own helplessness, this leaves bosses at ease as the workers are less likely to rebel

Question 5

Liberal feminism

Answer 5

They campaign against sexism and for equal rights and equal opportunities for women

Equality can be achieved by reforming society from within for example working with parliament, schools, businesses and the media.

change is occurring between men and women through shift of attitudes and legal changes

Question 6

Sommerville (2000)

Answer 6

Even though there is change as women have choice but some women still go through dual burden.

The government needs to support working parents by giving more flexible working hours so both parents can spend time with their children

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

Positives:
Highlights dark side of family
Influences discipline of “sociology”

Negatives:
Over emphasis the negatives= negative portrayal of the nuclear family. (Radical and Marxist feminists)
Post feminist critique: outdated as women have more choices (Marxist and Radical feminists)
Black feminist criticism- strong focus on patriarchy (class0 and gender inequality, not about racism
Difference feminism/ Intersectional feminists criticism- Women are not of the same age, class, ethnicity, profession, culture and disability (all feminists)