Liberal Feminism

Question 1

General idea?

Answer 1

• Argue gender inequalities are a result of gender role socialisation and unfair laws.
• Focus on obtaining equal opportunities and equal rights for males and females.
• Changes in norms and values that reinforce divisions will bring equality

Question 2

OAKLEY “Socialisation”

Answer 2

• Manipulation - the encouragement of behaviour seen as gender appropriate.
• Canalisation- “channeling” of children towards toys and activities seen as appropriate.

Question 3

EVALUATION

Answer 3

• POSTMODERNISTS argue gender identities are no longer fixed and there is a range of masculinities and femininites to choose from.
• Oakley makes the assumption that children are passive recipients of gender role socialisation.
• Liberals are middle class that represent interested of the educated women but fail to address concerns of a wider range of women.
• RADICAL AND MARXIST FEMINISTS argue liberals failed to explain how males and females come to hold different levels of power in the family.