Feminism

Question 1

Malestream

Answer 1

Word coined by feminists to describe the type of sociology that concentrates on men, is mostly carried out by men, and then assumes findings can be applied to women as well

Question 2

Challenge of malestream sociology

Answer 2

Before 1970’s women were marginalised and ignored in sociological research and areas of interest to women such as domestic labour. Significance of gender differences and inequality largely ignored so feminist sociology rose to challenge the male dominated perspective.

Question 3

Contribution of feminist theory

Answer 3

Brought wider issues of gender identity, social construction of gender differences and gender inequality into sociology. Also led to new areas such as masculinity and sexuality.

Question 4

Waltby’s 6 structures of patriarchy

Answer 4

1. Household
2. Paid work
3. The state
4. Sexuality
5. Male violence
6. Cultural institutions

Question 5

4 General features to feminist theory

Answer 5

• Inequalities in power and status between men and women, with women dominated by men
• Inequalities generate differences of interest and conflict between men and women so feminism is a conflict theory
• Gender roles and inequalities are primarily socially constructed and not based on innate biological differences
• Recognition of importance of concept of patriarchy

Question 6

How did Waltby define patriarchy?

Answer 6

System of social structures and practices which men dominate, oppress and exploit women.

Question 7

Liberal feminism

Answer 7

Suggests womens inequality arises primarily from factors like sexist stereotyping, gender role sexualization, womens primary role in household, lack of positive role models and sex discrimination through outdated laws and attitudes.

Question 8

What do they believe should happen?

Answer 8

Better, higher quality and free or more affordable childcare; men taking more responsibility for housework and childcare; equal pay; challenges to male prejudices.

Question 9

Strengths of liberal feminism

Answer 9

• Research has produced much evidence suggesting gender differences are socially constructed
• Has had important effects on social policies, with passing on of anti-discrimination laws like equal pay act (1970) and equality act (2010)

Question 10

Weaknesses of liberal feminism

Answer 10

Merely deals with reducing effects of womens subordination, rather than challenging fundamental causes

Question 11

Radical feminism

Answer 11

Regard patriarchy as most fundamental form of inequality, with divided into 2 ‘sex classes’ of genders. All women despite social class or ethnicity share interest in challenging men, who are the enemy as strive to dominate and control women.

Question 12

What do radical feminists propose?

Answer 12

Complete destruction of patriarchy and childbirth to be carried out independently of men. Women live separately and are free from oppression.

Question 13

Criticisms of radical feminism

Answer 13

• Assumes all women share common interests. Fails to recognise class and ethnicity as important sources of inequality
• Fails to recognise gradual reform has improved womens opportunities without revolutionary change
• Not all men engaged in domination and women can relate to them more if in same class or ethnicity than women outside
• Capitalisation just main source

Question 14

Marxist feminism

Answer 14

Argue gender inequality arises primarily from nature of capitalist society, not from independent system of patriarchy. Intensifies patriarchal inequalities in pursuit of own interests. Women used as cheap labour force and do unpaid domestic labour. Expressive role of absorbing male anger to keep capitalism stable.

Question 15

Criticisms of marxist feminism

Answer 15

• Doesn’t explain fact that patriarchy has existed in all known so societies, not just capitalist ones
• Men not just capitalism who benefit from womens subordination, enjoy position of power and higher pay

Question 16

Dual systems feminism

Answer 16

E.g. Walby
Blend marxist and radical feminist theories. Capitalism and patriarchy see as dual separate systems that interact and reinforce with each other in form of ‘patriarchal capitalism’. Generates dual roles for women as homemakers/childrearers and paid workers outside the home. Serves need for cheap and expendable paid labour force of women

Question 17

Dual systems criticism

Answer 17

Primarily theoretical approach and not offering solutions

Question 18

Postmodern feminism: black feminism

Answer 18

Emerged as a result of concerns that many earlier feminist theories ignored different experiences of patriarchal subordination found in black women and others from minority ethnic groups and in broader heading of ‘difference feminism’

Question 19

Postmodern feminism

Answer 19

There are other variants of feminism and stop looking at point of view of m/c white women. Although may suffer same problems, not in same position. Such as differences in women from different social classes and ethnic groups

Question 20

Feminism as a political ideology

Answer 20

Long history as political ideology and as a social and political movement. 3 waves of feminism.

Question 21

1st wave of feminism

Answer 21

Suffragette movement

Vote and improved working conditions and educational rights

Question 22

2nd wave of feminism

Answer 22

Womens liberation movement in 60’s to reject sexism and raise awareness

Question 23

3rd wave of feminism

Answer 23

Now

Continues from 2nd wave but with difference feminism also in mind