Feminists theory of the family

Question 1

What do Radical feminists argue about the family?

Answer 1

• society is purely patriarchal-> oppression for women
• argue for ‘political lesbianism’, matrilocal households, homosexuality + separatism= only alternative
• Greer- traditional, hetero relationships are what causes women’s oppression, ‘sleeping with the enemy’
• Firestone- separatism- families should be abolished totally

Question 2

How are radical feminists criticised for their view on the family?

Answer 2

1. Lib fems- Somerville would argue they ignore the fact women’s position has changed massively, outdated theory
2. Somerville argues separatism would be impossible as heterosexual attraction is inevitable

Question 3

What are liberal feminist’s view of the family?

Answer 3

• similar take to ‘march of progress’
• opposes ideas of sexual discrimination- improvements over time e.g. men do more labour now
• government laws are necessary for change e.g. sex discrimination act (1975), equal pay act (1963)
• Frieden- the role of a housewife for a woman is not fulfilling, its essential that women have intellectual stimulation from education

Question 4

How are liberal feminists criticised on their view of the family?

Answer 4

1. Difference feminists- their view only represents women of the middle class who are educated, not all women have access to this- and education is not what fulfils every woman
2. Do not challenge underlying causes of women’s oppression, believe law is enough to bring equality

Question 5

What do Marxist feminists view of the family?

Answer 5

• women= reserve army of labour, disagree with radfems- believe the cause of women’s oppression is cap not men
• Ansley- women are the ‘takers of shit’- soak up alienation of work, keep men happy
• Beechey- a woman’s role in the household has a great impact on promotion in the workplace

Question 6

How are Marxist feminists criticised on their views of the family?

Answer 6

radfems disagree, Marxist feminists ignore other types of inequality such as domestic violence in the home

Question 7

What do difference feminists argue about the family?

Answer 7

• it isnt possible to generalise women’s experiences, they’re not all the same, women are not a homogenous groups
• PMs agree- not possible to segregate gender, class, race etc

Question 8

How are difference feminists criticised on their view of the family?

Answer 8

• neglects fact many women share similar experiences e.g. all face risk of domestic violence, low pay, sexual assault etc