Feminism Flashcards
(110 cards)
<p>Key features of liberal feminism </p>
<p>reforming rather than revolutionary
seeking equality of opportunity for women
seeking legal political and economic equality for women
accepting that women may choose their own lifestyles and relationships
pursuing a number of issues that affect women in general such as abortion rights violence in family and rape
campaigning to change attitudes to women which suggest they are inferior </p>
<p>Key features of radical feminism </p>
<p>Fundamental revolutionary change needed to the nature of society
Belief that patriarchy does not recognise the boundary between public and private spheres: it is pervasive
Firm rejection of the validity of gender differences while accepting that biological differences are important
In order to liberate women, a new society must emerge in which consciousness of gender difference is eliminated </p>
<p>Key features of socialist or marxist feminism </p>
<p>Belief that the oppression of women is economically based
Women are used and abused as a source of cheap labour
The exploitation of women in the family is a model of the wider economic exploitation of women
Capitalism relies upon the exploitation of women in order to guarantee the superior position of men
Equality for women relies upon the destruction of capitalist exploitation in general</p>
<p>what does androgyny mean</p>
<p>the possession of both male and female characteristics
used to imply human beings are sexless persons
sex is irrelevant to their social or political status</p>
<p>millet quote on the princes of patriarchy</p>
<p>male shall dominate female
| elder male shall dominate younger </p>
<p>what is a difference feminist </p>
<p>adopt an essentalist approach
identify fundamental differences between men and women
there are deeper biological differences eg maternal instinct jusr for women </p>
<p>simone de behaviour sex/gender quote </p>
<p>one is not born
but rather becomes
a woman </p>
<p>why do feminists emphasise a sex gender difference? </p>
<p>they believe it allows women to achieve their potential and self realisation
gender differences are a result of the male attitude to women
women’s physical biological and anatomical makeup does not determine their social position or status
"anatomy is [NOT] destiny" - pioneered by Betty Friedan
This leads many feminists, such as Kate Millet, to advocate an androgynous society, in which there are no significant gender differences between men of women </p>
<p>how do feminists believe a post patriarchal society is possible ?</p>
<p>gender stereotypes challenged and ultimately dismissed
abolishment of female oppression </p>
<p>early essentalist feminist perspective? </p>
<p>wollstonecraft
believed that due to biological nature
women inevitably play a different role from men in society
eg natural raiders of children
did not see blurring of sex and gender as for male gain - as modern feminists do </p>
<p>how do modern feminists view sex </p>
<p>biological differences between men and women
most important are reproductive differences
seen as natural and unalterable
eg chromosomes hormones sex organs etc
they accept these but do not think they justify gender distinctions
</p>
<p>post modern feminists on sex </p>
<p>they would question whether sex is a biological distinction
biological womanhood does not always apply to those classified as women
feminists have issue with sex classification post modern </p>
<p>definition of gender </p>
<p>a cultural term that describes roles given to me. and women in society
eg masculinity = strength bravery value through paid public work
eg femininity = sensitivity nurture value through family and private sphere </p>
<p>what is the focus of liberal feminists </p>
<p>the unequal distribution of rights and entitlements in society has </p>
<p>what is the fundamental issue for radical feminjdts?</p>
<p>patriarchy
the systematic and institutionalised exercise of male power
rooted in the family and extended across society as a whole
his may be reflected in societal tolerance to rape and pornography
supporting the subordination of women and their position as a source of male sexual satisfaction </p>
<p>what is the focus of socialist feminists </p>
<p>the unfairness of economic inequality in terms of earnings and status
linking to patriarchy with capitalism oppression and alienation </p>
<p>describe first wave feminism </p>
<p>late 18th to early 20th century
feminist ideas developed within liberalism socialism and marxism </p>
<p>1970s radical feminist writers </p>
<p>Kate Millet - sexual politics
Germaine Greer - the female enrich </p>
<p>describe betty friedan’s the feminist mystique?</p>
<p>the problem with no name
the unhappiness and frustration of millions of women confined to the domestic sphere
feminists of the second wave would note that gaining the vote and formal legal equality did not solve the women’s question</p>
<p>what are the common core themes of feminism </p>
<p>concern with public private divide
patriarchy
sex gender distinction
equality and difference</p>
<p>describe kate millets sexual politics 1970 novel </p>
<p>highlights the sexual character and misogyny of modern literature
analyses the process of conditioning through which from a very early age boys and girls are encouraged to conform to gender identifies </p>
<p>who were the most significant radical feminist thinkers </p>
<p>millet and firestone
who saw sexual oppression as the fundamental feature of society </p>
<p>why have some feminists critiqued gender equality </p>
<p>based on the idea of androgyny so blues deep differences between men and women
to call for equality between men and women invariably encourages women to be male identified - glorifies male norms and standards
gender equality perpetrates oppression
goal of feminism is female emancipation not equality </p>
<p>what is essentialism</p>
<p>suggests there are truths about the position of women eg gender roles
that are permenant and do not change through time or social change
challenged by post modern feminists </p>
what are radical feminists united on
patriarchy is pervasive and exists in all aspects of life both private and public there are important biological differences between men and women; they do not justify gender differences all relations between men and women are inevitably oppressive solution to the problems of women in society can be achieved by reform but must involve a radical transformation of society’s structure
who are the four key women of radical feminism
germaine greer: sexual liberation shulamith firestone: removing the male reproductive role kate miller: androgynous society andrea dworkin: against pornography
why would conservatives fundamentally object to feminism
feminist belief threaten the family structure conservatives see the conventional family as an essential foundation of a stable society social change should be natural and evolutionary feminists have sought to produce social change based on fixed principles biological circumstances of women are natural so role of wife and mother is important - feminists defy nature conservatives value freedom in private radical feminists dictate how women should conduct themselves see militant feminism as a tyranny of ideas
when did first wave feminism develop
mid 19th century based on pursuit of sexual rquality legally and politically particularly suffrage
what characterised second wave feminism
radical concern with women’s liberation including or especially in the private sphere
marxist view on patriarchy
intrinsically linked to capitalism key to women’s liberation is linked to reform or abolition of capitalism via revolution rooted in bourgeoise privatised nuclear family women are trapped in the home and marriage due to economic dependence on the male breadwinner
modern socialist view on parrish
Juliet Mitchell 1960s see patriarchy as much deeper and overthrowing capitalism won’t liberate women fully women suffer double oppression of patriarchy and capitalism combined
where did engels contribute to socialist feminism
the origins of the family private property and the state of 1884 women’s oppression arises out of class county
what do modern feminists think of sex?
biological differences between men and women, fundamentally in reproduction these anatomical differences are seen as natural and unalterable eg chromosomes hormones sex difference
post modern feminists on sex
they would question whether sex is a clear cut biological distinction biological womanhood does not always apply to those classified as women feminists have issue with the binary nature of this classifciation
contemporary feminist perspective on gender
stated by french feminist simone de behaviour one is not born but rather becomes a women society implies gender by prescribing different roles to men and women in society imposed through ideas of masculinity and feminity in social roles positions or behaviours patriarchal ideas blur this distinction, assuming all social distinctions are rooted in biology this is denied as there is no logical link - gender is socially or politically consturctyed
why do feminists emphasise the sex gender distinction
allows women to achieve their potential (liberation by self realisation) women’s physical biological and anatomical makeup doesn’t determine their social position or status as pioneered by Betty friedan “anatomy is [NOT] destiny” this has lead many feminists such as kate millet to advocate an androgynous society in which there are no significant gender differences between men and women this expands women’s horizons as their aspirations extend a post patriarchal society is possible if these stereotypes are challenged and dismissed
liberal feminists on equality
legal and political public sphere argued that this is manifested in education and workers rights equal rights agenda contemporary betty friedan
radical feminist perspective on equality?
equality in family and personal in the private sphere sexual expression and fulfilment millet sexual politics reflected in private spehre
what does “a vindication of the rights of women”
stressed equal rights of women especially in education on the basis of personhood her work drew in the enlightenment liberal belief in reason women were subjects and objects desire presented the domestic sphere as a model of community and social order
what is the core goal of black feminism
counter interconnected racial gender and class structures
what did firestone write?
not just the elimination of male privilege but of the sex distinction itself: genital differences between human beings would no longer matter culturally the dialectic of sex 1970 “seizure of the means of reproduction”
radical feminist firestone’s beliefs
The abolition of the sex class requires that women take control of the means of reproduction. regarded pregnancy and childbirth as "barbaric” the nuclear family as a key source of women's oppression Contraception, in vitro fertilization mean that sex will eventually be separated from pregnancy and child-rearing, and women could become free
where does gender inequality exist according to firestone
Gender inequality originates in the patriarchal societal structures imposed upon women because of their bodies, particularly the physical, social and psychological disadvantages caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.
contrast the focus of radical feminists millet and friedan
Millett’s theory of patriarchy and conceptualized the gender and sexual oppression of women demanded a sex role revolution with radical changes of personal and family lifestyles Betty Friedan's focus was to improve leadership opportunities socially and politically and economic independence for women.
describe millet’s sexual politics
Millett questioned the origins of patriarchy, argued that sex-based oppression was both political and cultural, and posited that undoing the traditional family was the key to true sexual revolution
who coined the personal is the political
carol henisch
which radical feminist sees the family unit as the origin of inferiority complex?
kate millett
what is the subject of andrea dworkin analysis
pornography
millet quote on the family?
“patriarchy’s chief institution”
what does germaine greer think women’s liberation involves
asserting difference and "insisting on it as a condition of self-definition and self-determination". It is a struggle for the freedom of women to "define their own values, order their own priorities and decide their own fate". difference feminist
what would mary wollstonecraft observe was the main problem for women in society?
a lack of true education education is the answer to women’s plight
how was mary wollstonecraft a difference feminist
not equal in all spheres just public by virtue of biological necessity, women are more likely to be mothers or wives she campaigned for women to have the choice and if they choose marriage enjoy more fulfilled independent lives women not inferior to men or less virtuous but knew women should choose to play a secondary role
what would be millets ideal feminist society
an androgynous world power relationships between the sexes come to an end true gender equality would emerge the characteristics of men and women are identical leading to an end of the patriarchy
what modern feminists recognise that women may choose to be childbearing and homemaking?
friedan | greer
example of a radical lesbian feminist
andrea dworkin her philosophy virtually eliminated the possibility of heterosexual relationships that might not be violent and explorative separate lesbian state should be set up
what does andrea dworkin argue are the clearest manifestations of exploration of women by men
pornography | prostitution
why have conservatives criticised feminism
it undermines the key institutions of society such as family which they see as an essential foundation of a stable society without family a range of social problems occur linked to the family’s breakdown an ideology focused on difference undermines social cohesion and national unity opposed specifically to radicals as change should be natural and evolutionary
why have liberals criticised feminism
undermining the fundamental importance of individuals and individual rights through is focus on groups women and men criticised feminist attempts to break down the private and public spheres preferring to maintain a private sphere as a foundation of freedom in society
why have socialists criticised feminism
emphasised the conflict of interest between men and women rather than the conflict of interest between capital and labour some argue it could weaken class consciousness and undermine prospects of fundamental social change
how do radical feminists view patriarchy
they apply it to the concept to all aspects of life public and private it highlights the pervasive systematic and institutionalised power relationship between women and men it implies parallels between the patriarchal family privately and patriarchy in wider society it suggests female emancipation requires a radical restricting of the private sphere and of culture in general
how do liberal feminists apply patriarchy
apply it to only the public sphere enlightens the unequal distribution of rights and entitlements in society as a whole female disadvantage in terms of under representation in senior positions of politics buisness and professions reflects a belief in the rationality of all people and so they are both entitled to equal opportunity full human rights and the ability to choose a role in life
why is the personal the political?
the influence of patriarchy is seen in all aspects of social personal and sexual existence criticism of the public private divide there is a conditioning process in the family (the patriarchy’s chief institution) the distribution of housework and other responsibilities, personal and sexual conduct is the root of patriarchal oppression therefore, there needs to be a sexual revolution in which the personal is made political as sexual inequality are no longer seen as natural and unalterable
why have some feminists criticised the public private divide due to the significance of domestic work?
it conceals aspects of female oppression such as the failure to recognise the significance of domestic work carried out by women in the home socialist feminists link this to surplus value capitalism only recognised the value of the labour of men in the workplace; not the free labour in emotional and physical forms at home
how is liberal feminism rooted in individualism
men and women should be entitled to the same rights and privimidges on the grounds that each of them is a person combined with a belief with rationality leads liberal feminists do advocate androgyny they’re all entitled to equality of opportunity; full human rights and he ability to choose a role in life betty friedan argues women should be free to aspire to more than wife and mother by should be free to choose that if they wish as people are free from external constraints (patriarchy) they are able to self realise (they aspire beyond traditional gender roles)
examples of the legal advancements pursued by liberal feminists
equal pay for women doing work of equal value to men legal right to abortion legal protection against violence and rape in relationships proposing positive discrimination (affirmative action USA)
examples of the attitudinal changes promoted by liberal feminists
promoting the belief that women have equal capabilities to men except in purely physical work no rational basis for discrimination in employment raising educational expectations for girls and young women women should be able to have complete control over their own bodies eg contraception and sexual health
why do radical feminists think political liberation is insufficient
all relationships between men and women are political; patriarchy evaded women’s minds and holds their consiousness the personal is the political (hanisch) germaine greer argued the liberation of women comes from their mind as women free themselves from exploitative relationships with men and assert their identity politics is redefined in terms of identity - a revolution of consiousness in both men and women
for marxists, where does patriarchy arise from
Engels - The Origin of the Family Private Property and the State 1884 patriarchy arose as a result of the institution of private property and the need for men to ensure property would be passed onto their sons through marriage it is a symptom of capitalism
how does confining women go the domestic sphere serve capitalism
turns women into a reserve army of labour relieves men of the burden of housework and child rearing so allowing them to concentrate their time and energy on paid employment giving male workers a powerful incentive to find and keep a job because they have wives and children to support
how will female emancipation happen with radical social change
Robert Own & Charles Fourier traditional marxists feminists have argued that the creation of socialism as it imposes equality will liberate women women get equal rewards Juliet Mitchell analysed the family as the root of workplace inferiority paying women and men for housework and child rearing as if it were professional women to not have to face an artificial choice between unpaid housework that puts them in economic control of men
explain the meaning of androgyny
men and women have the same basic nature as humans sexual differences are biological facts of life but they have no social political or economic significance from this perspective, gender divisions are politically and socially constructed; encouraging women to be feminine and men to be masculine as these identities are constructed can be reconstructed and even demolished it enables people to have genderless personhood an andryogynous society power relationships would come to an end and true gender equality would emerge the characteristics of men and women identical
explain the meaning of essentialism
the belief that biological factors are crucial in determining psychological and behavioural traits gender differences seem to be rooted in the deep and unchangeable sexual identities of women and men personhood is a myth because women and men are different men are biologically inclined to be oppressive and controlling while women are thought to be naturally caring and sympathetic these traits reflect a deeper hormonal and genetic difference which enables these distinctive characteristics recognising not removing difference brings about female emancipation - difference not equality
describe difference feminists
men not patriarchy is the problem often subscribe to a pro women position - mary daly in which women withdraw from fundamentally corrupt make society
why have socialists criticised feminism
Socialists have criticised feminism as it emphasises the conflict of interest between women and men rather than the conflict of interest between capital and labour. Some socialists would argue that this can weaken class consciousness and undermine the prospects of fundamental social change.
