To what extent do feminists disagree about the nature of the society they wish to create? Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the general disagreement among feminists regarding the society they wish to create?
Feminists significantly disagree (70:30) about the nature of the society they wish to create, with liberals and socialists envisioning gender equality through inclusion and reform, while radicals and postmodernists offer transformative, separatist, or pluralistic alternatives.
What do liberal and socialist feminists broadly agree on?
Liberal and socialist feminists agree that the future society should be inclusive and egalitarian, though they differ in how to achieve it.
What is the belief of liberal feminists?
Society should guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
What do liberal feminists focus on?
Reforming public institutions to provide access to education, work, and politics for women.
Who is a key thinker associated with liberal feminism?
Betty Friedan: In The Feminine Mystique, Friedan argued women’s dissatisfaction stemmed from exclusion from meaningful public life.
What do socialist feminists believe is necessary for a truly equal society?
Dismantling capitalism and the economic oppression of women.
What do socialist feminists argue about legal reforms?
They argue that without changing the economic structure, legal reforms are insufficient.
Who is a key thinker associated with socialist feminism?
Sheila Rowbotham: Called for revolutionary transformation to dismantle capitalism.
What is the extent of agreement between liberal and socialist feminists?
Both strands want an inclusive, egalitarian society where gender no longer determines social roles, despite differences over the route to change.
What do radical feminists aim for?
A complete transformation of gender roles and private life.
What is the belief of radical feminists?
Society must be fundamentally restructured to eliminate patriarchal power.
Who is a key thinker associated with radical feminism?
Kate Millett: Believed that private relationships are political and argued for a cultural and sexual revolution.
How do liberal feminists differ from radical feminists?
Liberals support equal participation within existing institutions, while radicals advocate for the overthrow of institutions like the nuclear family.
What is the extent of disagreement between radical and liberal feminists?
Radicals reject the reformist, integrative society envisioned by liberals, calling for deep structural transformation.
What is the stance of postmodern feminists on a singular feminist society?
Postmodern feminists deny the possibility of a single feminist society due to intersecting identities.
What do postmodern feminists believe about identity?
Identity is too complex and diverse for a one-size-fits-all feminist society.
Who is a key thinker associated with postmodern feminism?
bell hooks: Argued that a truly feminist future must account for how systems of oppression interlock.
How do postmodern feminists differ from socialist feminists?
Postmodernists reject collective solutions and structured revolution as universalising and exclusionary.
What is the extent of disagreement among postmodern feminists and other feminist strands?
Postmodern feminists question the idea of a singular feminist society, sharply diverging from the visions of socialists, liberals, or radicals.
What is the conclusion regarding feminist visions for society?
Feminists disagree substantially (70:30) about the nature of the society they wish to create, highlighting profound ideological divisions.
