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Question 1

liberal feminism

Answer 1

Liberal feminism aims to add women into existing social institutions, believing that if women are included, these institutions will improve. Rooted in Enlightenment ideals, liberal feminists advocate for equality between men and women, focusing on women’s access to the public realm like education and the workforce. Their issue is fundamentally about ensuring that if men have a right, women should have the same right. They focus on the public rather than the private realm. The role of the state for liberal feminists is to improve conditions for women and use the state for social good. The concept of the “glass ceiling” is relevant to liberal feminism, representing the point women reach in their careers beyond which they cannot progress.
Examples of this are
He for she campaign

Question 2

radical feminism

Answer 2

Radical feminism, on the other hand, views patriarchy as the fundamental problem – the original and most universal form of oppression, existing even before other forms of inequality. Even if you add women into social institutions, the problem will remain as the issue is the patriarchy. Radical feminists focus on men’s control of women’s reproduction and sexuality and aim to eliminate violence against women, often advocating for the creation of women’s spaces separate from patriarchal structures. They challenge the notion of women as ‘other’ to men.
Examples of this are
Take back the night
R v wade

Question 3

liberal feminism

How would each strand address the issue of young people being more hesitant to self-identify as feminist?

Answer 3

Liberal feminism might argue that this hesitation stems from misunderstandings about feminism being about equality. They would emphasize that feminism benefits everyone by extending rights and promoting gender neutrality. They might highlight successes in achieving equality in certain areas and encourage young people to see feminism as a continued push for inclusivity and equal opportunities in all aspects of life.

Question 4

radical feminism

How would each strand address the issue of young people being more hesitant to self-identify as feminist?

Answer 4

Radical feminism might view this hesitation as a result of the pervasive influence of patriarchy, which often stigmatizes the term “feminist”. They might argue that young people need to understand the deep-rooted nature of male dominance and how it affects women’s lives, even if it’s not always overtly visible. They might emphasize the need for radical change and challenge young people to question societal norms that perpetuate inequality, suggesting that true liberation requires dismantling patriarchal structures rather than simply seeking inclusion within them.