What did bell hooks say about the feminist movement?
- Mainstream feminist discussions were primarily focused on white middle class women and neglect ethnicity, age, and class variations.
- The patriarchy is very influential in the developing world with forced marriage and FGM.
- It sees women as a homogeneous group.
How do liberal feminists view the patriarchy?
- Focus on its impact in the public sphere. Shouldn’t intervene in private lives as that’s taking away a woman’s choice.
- Agree with gradual change, and that the patriarchy will be abolished through our current political system.
Who says ‘the personal is political’?
Radical
Why does ‘the personal is political’ mean ?
Relationships are based on power. Part of a larger system.
What do radical feminists believe about the patriarchy?
- Peoples’ consciousness has been invaded by the patriarchy meaning it works on a psychological basis.
- The patriarchy is present in both public and private spheres, so both must change.
What do socialist feminists focus on?
Patriarchy and capitalism oppress women. Need a revolution.
Who talks about women being the reserved army of labour?
Rowbotham
Define androgynous
Gender neutrality
What do equality feminists believe?
- The elimination of cultural differences are needed for true equality. Believe fundamental nature of men and women are the same.
- Nurture of society will become androgynous.
What do difference feminists believe?
- Women are both biologically and culturally different from men.
- Differences should be celebrated as that’s how liberation will be achieved.
- Advocate essentialism and a ‘women identified’ society.
Who is a difference feminist who says women should be proud of biological differences/motherhood?
Daly
What does Gilman say about gender roles?
- They are created by society to hamper the progress of women.
- They are constructed from a young age and children should play with gender neutral toys.
- Women have to break gender roles to achieve economic parity with men.
What is Gilmans view of the economy?
- Young girls are forced to conform to domestic life through societal pressure.
- There’s no reason why women should have equal opportunities in workplace and an equal role in modern economics.
- State must provide more opportunities.
- Highlight how women can be limited through the economy.
What does Beauvoir discuss?
- Her book ‘The Second Sex’ states ‘one is not born, but becomes a woman’.
- Wrote about the sense of otherness, and how men are perceived as the norm.
- Society keeps women subordinate by reproducing ideal gender stereotypes. She attacks gender roles.
What does Millett propose?
A sexual revolution, end to monogamous marriage and the traditional family.
What does Millett discuss?
- In her book called ‘Sexual Politics’, she discusses how gender differences have a ‘cultural rather than biological basis’.
- Gender is what culture deems as appropriate, and it’s based on the needs and values of the dominant group. This is done in the home as they learn to be ‘passive and docile’ for men.
- We should outlaw pornography, and harsher punishment for sexual assault.
- Heterosexual relationships are political in a patriarchy. Women should live separately.
- Calls for a ‘sexual revolution’.
What does Rowbotham believe?
- Capitalism is the major enemy of women, and it propagates social constructs.
- Family also subject women to capitalism. Need a ’revolution in a revolution’.
- Women are the reserved army of labour to help men carry a propers day at work and produce a new gen of workers.
Who are the main 5 feminist thinkers?
Gilman
Beauvoir
Millett
Rowbotham
hooks
what does bell hooks say about socialisation?
‘We have all been socialised by the patriarchy to see ourselves as inferior to men’
How do socialists view the state?
- Supporters for capitalism, and fosters the patriarchy.
- Favour the bourgeoise.
- Ultimate architect of women’s exploitation.
How do liberal feminists view the state?
Provide a positive role by providing legal and political equality.
What did Gilman encourage?
communal housing, as it creates economic independence.
How do Intersectional feminists view the state?
bell hooks highlights how it’s dominated by white men and reinforces their dominant position.
What % of women believe reporting SA wouldn’t change anything?
45%
