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Feb 13, 2024 · Feminist theory is a major branch of sociology. It is a set of structural conflict approaches which views society as a conflict between men and women. There is the belief that women are oppressed and/or disadvantaged by various social institutions.
- Introduction – Feminism: The Basics
- Radical Feminism
- Marxist Feminism
- Liberal Feminism
- Difference Feminism/ Postmodern Feminism
Inequality between men and women is universal and the most significant form of inequality.Gender norms are socially constructed not determined by biology and can thus be changed.Patriarchy is the main cause of gender inequality: women are subordinate because men have more power.Feminism is a political movement; it exists to rectify sexual inequalities, although strategies for social change vary enormously.Society is patriarchal – it is dominated and ruled by men – men are the ruling class, and women the subject class.Blames the exploitation of women on men. It is primarily men who have benefitted from the subordination of women. Women are ‘an oppressed group.Rape, violence and pornography are methods through which men have secured and maintained their power over women. Andrea Dworkin (1981)Radical feminists have often been actively involved in setting up and running refuges for women who are the victims of male violence.Capitalism rather than patriarchy is the principal source of women’s oppression, and capitalists are the main beneficiaries.The disadvantaged position of women is because of the emergence of private property and the fact that women do not own the means of production.Under Capitalism the nuclear family becomes even more oppressive to women and women’s subordination plays a number of important functions for capitalism:(1) Women reproduce the labour force for free (socialisation is done for free)Nobody benefits from existing inequalities: both men and women are harmedThe explanation for gender inequality lies not so much in structures and institutions of society but in its culture and values.Socialisation into gender roles has the consequence of producing rigid, inflexible expectations of men and women.Discrimination prevents women from having equal opportunities.Do not see women as a single homogenous group.There are differences in the experiences of working class and middle class women, women from different backgrounds and women of different sexualities.Criticise preceding feminist theory for claiming a ‘false universality’ (white, western heterosexual, middle class)Criticise preceding Feminists theory of being essentialist.Jul 25, 2024 · This article provides a comprehensive understanding of feminist theory, underscoring its significance in sociology and its commitment to challenging and transforming the pervasive inequalities within society.
Jan 9, 2024 · Learn about the key concepts and principles of Marxist feminism in sociology. Understand the intersection of gender and class oppression within society, and how capitalism and patriarchy work together to perpetuate social inequality.
Rich argues that men push women into ‘compulsory heterosexuality’ which she believes is narrow and unsatisfying to women but beneficial to men as it fulfils only their desires. Liberal feminists believe that there are 2 barriers to gender equality today.
Feminist theory is a type of conflict theory that examines inequalities in gender-related issues. It uses the conflict approach to examine the maintenance of gender roles and uneven power relations. Radical feminism, in particular, considers the role of the family in perpetuating male dominance (note that “radical” means “at the root”).
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From the early work of women sociologists like Harriet Martineau, feminist sociology has focused on the power relationships and inequalities between women and men. How can the conditions of inequality faced by women be addressed?
