Feminists

Question 1

Feminist Approach!

Answer 1

Conflict Theory
Critical view of the family 
Looking at harmful effects of the family 
Family as oppressive towards women
Considers issues of division/dosmetic labour and dosmentic violence 
Negative ipacts on live of women 
Breeding ground for patriarchy 
Benefits men

Question 2

Liberal Feminists?

Answer 2

They highlight the inequality between men and women in family life- they believe that the best way to improve the position of women in the family is through “reform measures”/ remove all forms of discrimination - laws need to be updated.
Need to :
* Change socialisation: parenting practices to avoid stereotyping which steers women into housewife/ mother role.
* stop discrimination- sex discrimination act
* cheaper childcare costs
* stronger action against dosmetic violence

Jenny Somerville:2000 - need new proposals to improve ( Feminists however do need to acknowledge the changes made already)

Strength: Somerville recognises that significant progress has been made!

Critisim: Radical Feminists- not tackling the deep rooted problems/ inequalities in patriarchy - changes in law not enough to bring about inequality!

Question 3

Radical Feminists

Answer 3

Patriarchy: nuclear family only benefits men - Greer (2007) highly patriarchal and exploitive -
Family allows men to exercise power
Patriarchy needs to be overturned - family needs to be abolished - “separatism”- women need to live independently
Many argue for political lesobonism - creation of all female households - gender roles divided equally

Strength - highlights inequality
CRITISISMS : Jenny Somerville - women’s position has improved - better acesss to divorce and employment

Sepretisim : unlikely to work due to hetresexual attraction - not as simple!

Functionalists: Critisie - need nuclear family for socialisation