Socio - Feminism

Type of sociological theory feminism is categorized as

A conflict theory focused primarily on gender inequality.

Main focus of feminist sociology

Gender inequality, patriarchy, and the oppression of women.

Patriarchy

A system of society in which men hold greater power and women are disadvantaged.

Societal institutions where patriarchy exists according to feminists

Across institutions such as the family, education, politics, media, and the economy.

Primary ways women are disadvantaged according to feminism

Through inequalities in pay, power, and representation.

Feminist view on male violence against women

As a form of power and control linked to patriarchal society.

Liberal feminist view on the current state of patriarchy

Patriarchy still exists but is gradually declining.

How liberal feminists propose achieving gender equality

Through legal reform, education, and changing social attitudes.

Examples of legal reforms supported by liberal feminists

Equal-pay and anti-discrimination laws.

Reason liberal feminism is considered optimistic

It believes gradual reform can create greater gender equality without requiring revolutionary change.

Fundamental form of inequality according to radical feminists

Gender inequality.

Radical feminist view on the origins of patriarchy

Patriarchy predates capitalism and is not simply caused by class inequality.

Beneficiaries of patriarchy according to radical feminism

Men as a group, not just wealthy or ruling-class men.

Radical feminist view of the family institution

As a primary site of female oppression and patriarchal control.

Root cause of women's oppression according to Marxist feminism

Capitalism and class inequality.

Key difference between Marxist feminism and radical feminism

Marxist feminism emphasizes capitalism and class, whereas radical feminism emphasizes patriarchy and male power.

Role of women's unpaid domestic work in supporting capitalism

It helps maintain and reproduce the workforce without needing to be paid by employers.

Primary inequality identified by Marxist feminists

Class inequality, although patriarchy acts to reinforce women's oppression.

Major contribution of feminism to sociology

It placed gender inequality at the center of sociological analysis.

Impact of feminism outside of sociology

It has influenced legal and social changes promoting gender equality.

Examples of laws influenced by movements for gender equality

The Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act.

Spheres of women's oppression highlighted by feminism

Both public and private life, such as workplaces and families.

Common criticism of radical feminism

It can underestimate the progress made toward gender equality.

Criticism of feminism regarding diversity among women

It is criticized for treating women as one homogeneous group, ignoring differences in class, ethnicity, and other factors.

Feminist approaches highlighting differences between groups of women

Black feminism and intersectionality.

Common criticism of Marxist feminism

It may give class too much importance compared with gender.

Functionalist criticism of feminism

It overemphasizes conflict in society and undervalues social harmony.

Core distinction between Liberal, Radical, and Marxist feminism

Liberal focus = reform; Radical focus = patriarchy; Marxist focus = capitalism/class.

Feminist branch believing legal reform reduces inequality

Liberal feminism.

Feminist branch viewing patriarchy as the fundamental problem

Radical feminism.

Feminist branch linking women's oppression to capitalism

Marxist feminism.

Four key ideas summarizing feminist sociology

Conflict $\rightarrow$ gender $\rightarrow$ patriarchy $\rightarrow$ inequality.