Theories of the Family 02 Flashcards
What is the main feminist view of the family?
The family oppresses and exploits women
How are liberal feminists characterised?
March of progress view
Against discrimination, for equal rights/opportunities
Why do other feminist criticise liberal feminists?
They do not challenge the underlying causes of women’s oppression
How are Marxist feminists characterised?
The main source of oppression is capitalism
The family must be abolished
What did Ansley say about the family in 1972?
Women act as an emotional safety valve to men
They absorb the frustrations of working under capitalism so no rebellions occur
What did Feeley say about the family in 1972?
Children are socialised into submission, ready for capitalism
How are radical feminists characterised?
See men as the enemy
Promote political lesbianism
What type of family did Greer promote in 2000?
Matrilocal - women remain in their mother’s household, men join their wives’
Who called for a baby strike and why?
Purdy, 1997
Felt that women are disadvantaged by having children and that they needed to make their voices heard
How did Sommerville criticise radical feminists in 2000?
Stated that there have been improvements for women
Political lesbianism is complicated by heterosexual attraction
What is Difference Feminism?
Says we can’t generalise women’s experiences of oppression
Why do other feminists criticise Difference Feminism?
State that all women experience similar oppression from the patriarchy
e.g. lower pay, fewer job opportunities
What is the personal life perspective?
An interactionist perspective
Criticises how structural perspectives ignore family diversity and see people as puppets to society
What does Carol Smart believe about the decline of family life?
Family life is just becoming more complex
She highlights other important intimate relationships other than blood relation
What are Smart’s focuses in understanding family life?
Bonds
Memories
Cultural heritage
Shared possessions
