To what extent do feminists agree over the state? Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the general disagreement among feminists regarding the state?
Feminists largely disagree (70:30) over the role and nature of the state, with radical and socialist feminists viewing it as a patriarchal or capitalist tool, while liberal feminists see it as a reformable instrument for achieving equality.
What do radical and socialist feminists believe about the state?
They agree that the state is a tool of oppression and upholds patriarchal structures that must be transformed or overthrown to liberate women.
What is the belief of radical feminists regarding the state?
The state is inherently patriarchal and reflects male dominance.
Who is a key thinker associated with radical feminism?
Kate Millett
Viewed the state as part of the patriarchy’s wider system of control; believed reforms could not fix institutions inherently built on male dominance.
What do socialist feminists argue about the state?
The state is an agent of capitalism that perpetuates both class and gender oppression.
Who is a key thinker associated with socialist feminism?
Sheila Rowbotham
Saw the state as a servant of capitalism and patriarchy, incapable of delivering female liberation without a revolutionary change.
What is the extent of agreement between radical and socialist feminists?
Both strands reject the liberal view of the state as neutral and see it as structurally opposed to women’s interests, reinforcing the need for radical transformation.
What do liberal feminists believe about the state?
They argue that the state can promote equality through reform and is a positive force for achieving gender equality.
What is the belief of liberal feminists regarding the state?
The state is flawed but reformable, and key to securing individual rights.
Who is a key thinker associated with liberal feminism?
Betty Friedan
Supported state intervention to end discriminatory myths and allow women full participation in public life, e.g. through the Equal Pay Act and anti-discrimination laws.
How do radical feminists view reforms proposed by liberal feminists?
They see such measures as superficial and believe only a complete overthrow of cultural and familial patriarchy will free women.
Who is a key thinker associated with radical feminist critiques of reform?
Shulamith Firestone
Argued for a complete re-engineering of society, including the abolition of biological reproduction via technology.
What do postmodern feminists believe about the state?
They reject the idea that a singular state can represent or liberate all women.
What is the belief of postmodern feminists regarding the state’s representation?
The state reinforces white, middle-class norms and ignores intersecting oppressions.
Who is a key thinker associated with postmodern feminism?
bell hooks
Argued the state perpetuates the ‘white-supremacist-capitalist-patriarchy,’ failing to address the unique struggles of black and working-class women.
How do liberal feminists view the state’s role compared to postmodern feminists?
Liberal feminists believe the state can be used to promote universal equality, while postmodern feminists see it as biased and limited in scope.
Who is a key thinker associated with liberal feminist views on state reform?
Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Argued the state should support reforms like childcare provision to allow women full participation in public life.
What is the extent of disagreement among feminists regarding the state?
There is significant disagreement (70:30) among feminists over the state, with radical, socialist, and postmodern feminists rejecting its ability to liberate women, while liberal feminists advocate for reform.
