Feminism in relation to sociological theory Flashcards
General feminist stance on society
Feminism involves a structural conflict theory in which inequality between men and women creates a patriarchal society where men are dominant and their oppression towards women ensures their subordination. .
Types of feminism and sociology
A ‘first wave’ of feminism appeared in the late 19th century, with the suffragettes’ campaign for the right to vote. The 1960s saw a ‘second wave’ emerge on a global scale. Since then, feminism has had a major influence on sociology. Feminists criticise mainstream sociology for being ‘malestream’- seeing society only from a male perspective. There are several feminist approaches, including liberal or reformist, radical, Marxist, dual systems, difference and poststructuralist feminism.
liberal feminism
liberalism is concerned with the human and civil rights and freedoms of the individual, believing that all human beings should have equal rights.
Liberal feminists believe reformism can help women progress towards equal rights. This is the idea that gradual change in society, without the need for revolution, is the most effective way of achieving equality. Liberal feminists have documented the extent of gender inequality and discrimination, thus legitimising the demand for reforming areas such as equal pay and employment practices.
Liberal feminists want cultural change
Liberal feminists also want cultural change because traditional prejudices and stereotypes about gender differences are a barrier to equality. For example, beliefs that women are less rational and more dominated by emotion are used to legitimate their exclusion from decision-making roles and their confinement to childrearing and housework.
Liberal feminists work for laws and policies against sex discrimination in employment and education. They believe this can secure equal opportunities for women
Liberal feminists distinguish between sex and gender
Sex refers to biological differences between males and females. Gender refers to culturally constructed differences between the ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ roles and identities assigned to males and females.
While sex differences are seen as fixed, gender differences vary between cultures and over time. Thus, what is considered a proper role for women in one society at one time may be disapproved of in another.
Liberal feminism is a critique of…
Parson’s functionalist theory of gender roles. e.g. Parsons distinguishes between instrumental roles (male’s domain) and expressive roles (female’s domain) and see this distinction as biologically based.
Liberal feminists believe sexist attitudes and stereotypical beliefs about gender are culturally constructed and transmitted through…
socialisation. Therefore, we must change society’s socialisation patterns, e.g. promoting appropriate role models in education and the family, and challenging gender stereotyping in the media.
Over time, liberal feminists believe, such actions will produce cultural change and gender equality will become the norm. Liberal feminism believes men and women are equally capable of performing the same roles; traditional gender roles prevent both men and women from leading fulfilling lives.
This approach is the feminist theory that is closest to a consensus view of society- gender conflicts are not seen as inevitable and can be changed.
Radical feminism
Radical feminism emerged in the early 1970s. Its key concept is patriarchy.
Patriarchy is universal- firestone argues that its origins lie in women’s biological capacity to bear and care for infants, since performing this role mean they come dependent on males.
Patriarchy is fundamental- it is the most basic form of social inequality and conflict
All men oppress all women- All men benefit from patriarchy, especially from women’s unpaid domestic labour and from their sexual services
Patriarchal oppression is direct and personal- not just the public sphere of work and politics, but the private sphere of the family, domestic labour and sexual relationships.
Radical feminists argue that the personal is political (sexual politics)
All relationships involve power and they are political when one individual tries to dominate another. Personal relationships between the sexes are therefore political because men dominate women through them. Radical feminists therefore focus on the ways in which patriarchal power is exercised through personal relationships, often through sexual or physical violence. For example, Brownmiller argues that fear of rape deters women from going out alone at night.
Malestream sociology regards sexuality as a natural biological urge and thus outside the scope of sociology. Radical feminists argue that patriarchy socially constructs sexuality so as to satisfy men’s desires, e.g. the portrayal of women in pornography as passive sex objects.
Women’s Liberation…Given the radical feminist view that patriarchy and women’s oppression are reproduced through personal and sexual relationships, these must be transformed if women are to be free.
Separatism- some radical feminists advocate separatism-living apart from men and creating a new culture of female independence, free from patriarchy.
Consciousness raising- radical feminists argue for women-only consciousness-raising groups that may lead to collective action e.g. ‘reclaim the night marches’
Political lesbianism- some radical feminists argue that heterosexual relationships are ‘sleeping with the enemy’ and that lesbianism is the only non oppressive form of sexuality.
Marxist Feminism
Marxist feminists see women’s subordination as rooted in capitalism. Although individual men may benefit from women’s subordination, the main beneficiary is capitalism. Women’s subordination in capitalist society results from their primary role as unpaid homemaker, which places them in a dependent economic position in the family.
Functions for Capitalism according to Marxist feminists: Reserve army of labour
Women are a source of cheap, exploitable labour for the employers. They are a reserve army of labour- marginal workers who can be hired and fired to suit the needs of capitalism. They can be treated in this way because it is assumed their primary role is in the home. The Marxists feminist claim that unpaid domestic labour benefits capitalism may be correct, but this doesn’t explain why it is women and not men who perform it.
Absorbing male worker’s anger
This would otherwise be directed at capitalism
Reproduction of labour
Women maintain the current labour force by looking after their working partners, and provide future generation workers for the state through their sexual services. Because of these links between women’s subordination and capitalism, Marxist feminists argue that women’s interests lie in the overthrow of capitalism.
Ideological factors according to Marxist feminism
Some Marxist feminists argue that non economic factors must also be taken into account if we are to understand and change women’s position.
