Main tensions

Question 1

Agreements of all feminists ?

Answer 1

• Society is patriarchal however they believe this to different extents
• All feminists believe that within the economy women are discriminated against

Question 2

Liberal views on human nature

Answer 2

• Accept sex differences but regard gender differences as a social construct which is made by society and institutions such as education and the family

Question 3

Radical views on human nature + Firestone

Answer 3

• Overthrow and destruction of all institutions that have reinforced patriarchal attitudes
• She argues that women should remove all their sexual functions which would remove sex differences

Question 4

Socialist views on human nature

Answer 4

• The oppression of women is due to the whole operation of capitalism in which women have become the oppressed class eg they are the reserve army of labour
• Destruction of capitalism could solve this

Question 5

Agreements between radical and socialist feminists

Answer 5

They are both revolutionary and believe that complete destruction of the institutions and economy can lead to equality for women

Question 6

Liberal view of the state

Answer 6

• It is patriarchal however it can be reformed and used to help fight for gender equality for example through laws ie 1970s equal pay, abortion and contraception.

Question 7

Radical view of the state

Answer 7

• It is patriarchal and should be overthrown, it is impossible to reform an institution so deeply rooted with patriarchy

Question 8

Socialist view of the state

Answer 8

• The state is an agent of capitalism and it has created the inferior status of women
• The liberation depends on the destruction/modification of capitalism ie state ownership would allow women to be paid the same as men

Question 9

Difference feminists

Answer 9

• Criticise all other strands of feminism for essentialism
• Stress the importance of intersectionality and the fact that women have multiple identities
• Each woman should be able to choose her own lifestyle

Question 10

Principles of liberal feminism

Answer 10

• Equality of opportunity, liberty, civil rights and private rights

Question 11

Liberal methods to combat patriarchy

Answer 11

• Ending of gender discrimination
• Combatting negative attitudes displayed by institutions
• Formal equality through legislation

Question 12

Radical feminists solutions to patriarchy

Answer 12

• Political lesbianism (men always exploit women in marriage)
• Separatism (everyman exploits women)

Question 13

Cultural feminists (branch of radical)

Answer 13

• Accepts that natural gender differences are a thing + values the female characteristics more and believes they should be embraced

Question 14

Who do socialist feminists focus on and who are their ideas based on ?

Answer 14

• Focus on the liberation of working class women and is based on the ideas of Engels

Question 15

Tensions between radical and liberal feminists

Answer 15

RF argue that there should be a complete abolition of the NF (Millet)
LF women should be able to make their own choices

Question 16

Tensions between socialist and liberal/radical feminists

Answer 16

• SF argue that the economy is the greatest force in reinforcing patriarchy whereas RF argue it is caused by cultural and psychological factors

Question 17

Tensions between equality and difference feminists

Answer 17

EF believe women should seek equality in all spheres

DF believe that seeking equality doesn’t recognise the positivity of female characteristics

Question 18

Greer : relationships between men and women

Answer 18

• Women are oppressed by men

- Women who are in relationships with men are “sleeping with the enemy”

Question 19

Cultural feminism

Answer 19

• Branch of radical feminism which accepts gender differences.
• Argues that female characteristics are naturally caring and compassionate and if women dominated then conflict would be reduced

Question 20

deled

Answer 20

deletes