Topic 6 - feminist theories and gender inequality? Flashcards
Introduction?
Feminist theories of inequality focus on gender issues and consist of various approaches. They build on existing theories to explain gender inequalities and examine the role of ideology in maintaining patriarchy and male dominance. There is debate about how some women seem to accept their subordination to men, with some rejecting the feminist label or opposing certain rights gained, such as abortion legislation.
Social control?
Feminists agree that women experience social control and domination in a male-dominated society. Women lack the same freedoms as men, both in the public sphere, where they have limited access to power structures, and in the private sphere, where they are vulnerable to male violence and discrimination.
The development of feminism?
The development of feminism can be broken into key periods:
1870s-1920s: The suffragette movement emerged due to the lack of political and voting rights for women.
1960s-1970s: Liberal feminism fought for access to contraception, abortion, and equal opportunities in employment and education.
1970s-1980s: Radical feminism and black feminism focused on issues of sexual violence and racial inequality.
1980s: Sex-positive feminism emerged, emphasizing women’s sexual expression as empowerment, moving away from radicalism.
2010s: New wave feminism addressed modern gender issues, including paternity leave, body shaming, economic inequality, and violence.
Biological theories of male dominance
Biological theories of male dominance argue that women are the “weaker sex” due to their reproductive functions, making them unsuitable for life outside the home. These theories suggest that men and women are psychologically and emotionally different, with women biologically programmed to care for children. Feminism challenges these ideas by opposing such biological determinism.
