Feminist Perspective

Question 1

Themes in feminist analysis of family

Answer 1

Family as place of work
Myth of symmetrical family
Greater dependency on womens work for mens wages
Domestic violence

Question 2

Liberal feminist

Answer 2

Recognise womens role in family and believe to establish equality of opportunity for women with men and make own decisions

Question 3

Measures to establish equality according to liberal feminists

Answer 3

Changing socialization and parenting practices
Establishment of equality in maternity and paternity leave
More sharing of housework and and childcare tasks
Stronger action against domestic violence

Question 4

Radical feminists

Answer 4

Focus on problem of patriarchy in society
See family as patriarchal institution
Physical and sexual violence=dominance

Question 5

Radical feminist solution

Answer 5

Reject family life and sometimes reject relationships with men altogether

Question 6

Marxist feminism

Answer 6

Emphasise way women are exploited as workers and as women

Family contributing to capitalism

Question 7

Criticisms of marxist and radical feminist perspectives

Answer 7

Womens role not same in all families
Women not always passive victims
Independent incomes
2/3 divorces from women

Question 8

The greater dependency of women on men’s earnings

Answer 8

On average pay for women only about 85% of that of men

Question 9

Laws to establish equal pay and stop discrimination

Answer 9

Equal pay act (1970)

Sex discrimination act (1975)

Question 10

Social reproduction of labour power

Answer 10

Family providing place where children can be raised with a sense of security & ruling class supplied with readily available and passive labour force

Question 11

How family achieves social reproduction of labour power

Answer 11

• Relaxation so labour power renewed for next day
• Producing and maintaining labour which is free of cost to capitalists through domestic labour
• Socialising children into dominant ideology and preparing for routines of work