Functions of the family-Feminism

Question 1

Jenny Somerville

Liberal feminist

Answer 1

Radical feminists fail to recognise that women’s position in society has improved considerably
e.g. better job and educational opportunities, control over fertility (pill)

Question 2

Fran Ansley

Marxist feminist

Answer 2

“Takers of shit”-women absorb anger that would be otherwise directed against capitalism, soak up frustration that their husbands suffer at work

Women reserve army of labour-when no longer needed can “let them go” to return to what is seen as their primary role

Question 3

Margaret Benston

Marxist feminist

Answer 3

Women reproduce labour force (workers) through unpaid domestic labour, by socialising next generation of workers and maintaining and servicing current one

Question 4

Greer

Radical feminist

Answer 4

Creation of all female households could be an alternative to the heterosexual family

Question 5

Radical feminism

Answer 5

Men are the enemy

The family and marriage are key institutions in patriarchal society

Family must be abolished-separatism

Political lesbianism-all women should have relationships with women

Question 6

Liberal feminism

Answer 6

Women oppressed due to socialisation into traditional gender roles

Improvements for women have occurred:
Legal changes
Social changes

Triple shift exists-do paid work and everything else still

Cultural lag still exists-legally have equality, society not caught up

Question 7

Difference feminism

Answer 7

Cannot generalise experiences of women in family, experiences affected by class, ethnicity and sexuality
HOWEVER
Women face greater risk than men for domestic violence, low paid jobs, sexual assault