Feminist explanations

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Feminism is a structuralist theory based on gender conflict, arguing that society is patriarchal, so women are oppressed, including in the family. Different type of feminists include liberal, radical, marxist and difference. On the other hand, Functionalists reject this view of the family and ‘argue that is it essential for society’.

Question 2

Liberal Feminists - Oakley & Sommerville

Answer 2

P - Liberal Feminists
E - Oakley & Somerville, recognise changes in law that have improved women’s position in family. Equality Act 2010.
E - Creates dual earner couples and gives women more power.
E - However, Radical feminists - Greer - a more deep-rooted change is needed than just ‘policies’ - for full equality - revolution.
L - Therefore, Lib Fem want grater equality - acknowledge laws & policies put in place.

Question 3

Radical Feminists - Delphy & Leonard, Greer

Answer 3

P - Radical Feminists
E - Delphy & Leonard and Greer - men are the enemy and ‘conventional nuclear family’ - further ‘oppression of women’
E - Families are still patriarchal - men is seen as head of household - women subordinate positions. Political lesbianism would be type of revolution required for full equality to take place.
E - However, functionalists - Young and Wilmott - ignore changes in law positive for women and their position in family and wider society
L - Therefore, Radical Fem argue more needs to be done to stop ‘oppression of women’

Question 4

Marxist Feminists - Ansley

Answer 4

P - Marxist Feminists
E - Women reproduce labour, reserve for army cheap labour - Ansley ‘takers of shit’.
E - See oppression of women in family linked to exploitation of WC, family must be abolished at same time as a socialist revolution replaces capitalism with a capitalist society.
E - However, func argue the family;uy provides emotional support like warm bath theory, Parsons.
L - Therefore, marxists fem is useful as it highlights how women’s unpaid domestic labour benefits capitalism by maintaining workforce.

Question 5

Difference Feminists - Collins

Answer 5

P - Difference Feminists
E - Collins - black fem - black women view family as source of strength and resilience against racism rather than patriarchal.
E - This is an inclusive approach and values different and diverse approaches to feminism.
E - However, liberal feminists argue this view overemphasises the different examples of shared equality
L - Difference feminists are useful in showing how family experiences vary by factors like race, class and sexuality.