Feminist State

Question 1

How do feminists agree on the state?

Answer 1

• The state is part of the problem, perpetuated patriarchy/male dominance. Men dominate key positions and used the state to maintain their position.
• The state can be part of the solution to patriarchy: Liberal/Socialist/Radicals campaign for the state to implement measures to forward women’s liberation

Question 2

How can the state be part of the solution to Patriarchy?

Answer 2

• Equality Laws
• Anti-discrimination legislation, and funding campaigns highlighting discrimination
• Equal pay regulations, maternity, paternity and child benefits
• Laws against sexual harassment, domestic violence, rape and other forms of violence against women.
• Free contraception, abortion and other relevant healthcare provisions
• Nursery provision – either subsidised or provided by the state so it is affordable
• Quotas, such as the number of women MPs or those sitting on the boards of public companies
• (agreed on by liberals radicals and socialists)

Question 3

What are liberal feminist opinions on the state?

Answer 3

• if more women enter the public sphere – government, law and civil service – interests of women are more likely to be addressed and improved. e.g the Fawcett Society campaigns for 50% of MPs to be women. Women should take up key positions in government, parliament, judiciary and civil service. This will help to end inequality between the sexes.

Question 4

What are socialist/marxist feminist opinions on the state?

Answer 4

• Collectivist and egalitarian approach. State should provide better education for girls/ working conditions for women. Marxist Feminists have seen the state as favouring both capitalism and patriarchy, and only with the introduction of full-blown socialism would these come to an end

Question 5

What are Radical Feminist opinions on the state?

Answer 5

• Campaigned for wages to be paid by the state for housework, so that housewives would be more independent/domestic work valued/ more likely done by men.
• anarchical radicals said the state is an inherently male institution, in that it is characterised by domination, militarism, rationality and power-seeking. As such, it cannot be reformed, only abolished.

Question 6

In what way do Socialist and Radicals agree?

Answer 6

• State-led reforms alone would not be sufficient to achieve gender equality and female freedom - more profound social and economic changes are needed for genuine equality

Question 7

What are Difference feminist opinions on the state?

Answer 7

• Would like an all women ran state in a separatist society