To what extent do feminists agree over human nature? Flashcards
(19 cards)
What do feminists largely agree on regarding human nature?
Feminists agree significantly (80%) that human nature is socially constructed rather than biologically fixed.
What do radical and socialist feminists believe about human nature?
They agree that human nature is shaped by oppressive systems like patriarchy and capitalism.
What is the belief of radical feminists regarding human nature?
Human nature is socially constructed through patriarchy, especially via the family and cultural institutions.
What did Kate Millett argue about the traditional family?
Millett believed the traditional family is the cornerstone of patriarchy and that cultural works reinforce male dominance.
What do socialist feminists argue about human nature?
Human nature is shaped by capitalism, which reinforces gender roles to maintain the economic system.
What did Sheila Rowbotham argue about the family?
Rowbotham argued the family is both a unit of capitalist production and a psychological space reinforcing female subordination.
What is the extent of agreement between radical and socialist feminists?
Both strands reject essentialist views and believe oppressive systems distort human behaviour, agreeing on the need for radical social transformation.
What do postmodern and radical feminists agree on?
They agree that identity and human nature are constructed, though postmodernists deny any singular female experience.
What is the belief of postmodern feminists regarding human nature?
Human nature is performative and constructed through intersecting identities like race, class, and gender.
What did bell hooks contribute to feminist theory?
hooks developed intersectionality, showing how systems like capitalism, racism, and patriarchy combine to shape identity.
What do radical feminists focus on regarding gender?
They focus on the cultural and sexual imposition of gendered behaviour, arguing society forces women into submissive roles.
What is the extent of agreement between postmodern and radical feminists?
Both reject fixed views of human nature, reinforcing the idea that identity is shaped by external forces.
What do liberal feminists believe about human nature?
They believe human nature is rational and equal, but shaped by cultural barriers.
What is the point of divergence for liberal feminists?
They view men and women as naturally rational and equal, unlike other strands that see systemic oppression as deeply conditioning.
What did Betty Friedan describe as the ‘problem with no name’?
Friedan referred to the dissatisfaction many suburban housewives felt in the 1950s, believing women were rational but limited by cultural myths.
What do socialist feminists argue about the liberation of women?
They argue that true freedom requires systemic change to economic and family structures, not just cultural progress.
What did Simone de Beauvoir argue about women’s oppression?
De Beauvoir argued women are made, not born, suggesting human nature is shaped by experience.
What is the extent of disagreement among feminists regarding human nature?
Liberal feminists believe women’s true nature will emerge with equal opportunity, while others see human nature as conditioned.
What is the overall consensus among feminists regarding human nature?
There is major agreement (80%) that human nature is socially conditioned rather than biologically fixed.
