Feminism Key Terms

Question 1

Why do feminists differentiate between sex and gender (3)

Answer 1

• ‘Gender’ is used to explain the ‘innate character’ of men and women
• Believe there is no evidence/justification for gender roles
• gender is learned behaviour imposed by society

Question 2

Define patriarchy (2)

Answer 2

• Society that is dominated by men and run in the interests of men
• systematic oppression of women

Question 3

What are the 6 social structures where patriarchy is found

Answer 3

• state
• household
• violence
• culture
• paid work
• sexuality

Question 4

what is the difference between the public sphere and the private sphere?

Answer 4

public sphere- society at large

private sphere- family

Question 5

“The personal is political” meaning (2)

Answer 5

• Aspects of life considered ‘personal’, were also part of a SYSTEM that sought to repress women (patriarchy)
• Notion that ALL relationships between men and women are BASED on power dominance, not just those in the public sphere

Question 6

Example of female oppression in the private sphere + what did feminists aim to do

Answer 6

• domestic abuse

- Aimed to raise awareness among women so that they could challenge the status quo

Question 7

How does the institution of family oppress women (4-6)

Answer 7

• socialises girls and boy to accept their hierarchic roles (girls- domesticity and boys- dominance)
• socialises women into accepting the role of the housewife
• children see traditional gender roles as natural and inevitable
• women are expected to carry out free domestic work
• women expected to cater for the needs of their husbands
• married women expected to sacrifice their career prospects

Question 8

What is equality feminism

Answer 8

-Feminism that seeks equality and believes that the biological differences between men and women are inconsequential

Question 9

What is difference feminism?

Answer 9

• feminism that argues men and women are different from one another.
• Believe in celebrating women’s special and unique qualities to create a more female-oriented culture

Question 10

What is Essentialism?

Answer 10

the belief that biological factors are significant in the different behaviour of men and women

Question 11

What is Cultural feminism

Answer 11

seeks to challenge the dominance of male culture in society by promoting ‘women’s values’

Question 12

Define Intersectionality

Answer 12

Challenges the notion that 'gender' was the singular factor in determining a woman's fate.
-Argues that black and working-class women's experiences of patriarchy are different