The dark side of the family

Question 1

Radical feminist explanation of domestic abuse

Answer 1

Millet and Firestone argue that all societies are patriarchal and the family is the key institution through which men oppress and exploit women. It is i the family that men dominate women through domestic abuse or the threat of it.
Domestic abuse is an inevitable feature of a patriarchal society as it serves to preserve male power over women. Men control all aspects of society which is why
the police are so reluctant to get involved in the incidents of domestic abuse.

Question 2

Criticism of radical feminist views

Answer 2

Robertson-Elliot points out that:
Not all men are violent towards women and most men are opposed to domestic abuse
Women can also be abusers of men and children