INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES - FEMINISM

What is feminism?

The idea that women fight for their right/equality in male dominated societies (patriarchal societies)

What do feminist believe?

They believe there is a lower imbalance between men and women, they believe we live in a patriarchal society

What are gender norms?

Patterns to expected behaviors from a specific gender

What does socially constructed mean?

Something that is created and defined by society - it exists because society agreed it should

What are the 4 types of feminist groups?

• Marxist feminist

• Radical feminist

• Liberal feminists

• Difference feminists

What do the "Marxist feminists" believe?

They believe that women are being oppressed by capitalism

What do Marxist feminists believe they are responsible for?

Maintaining the current workforce (without women, there would be no workforce)

What is the name of the famous Marxist feminist and what famous phrase did she say?

Fran Ansley - 'takers of shit'

What event did Marxist feminist believe women were treated badly, and why?

WW1 - women were picked up and then dropped when they were no longer needed

What do "radical feminists" believe?

They believe that society is founded on patriarchy, they believe that men are the enemy - they believe if there were no men, women would not feel oppressed

What political saying do radical feminists argue for? And what does it mean?

"Political lesbianism" - the idea that heterosexual relationships is like sleeping with the enemy

What do "liberal feminists" believe?

They want equal rights and opportunities for women including equal pay and ending discrimination in employment.

What is an example of equality that liberal feminist are trying to work towards?

The sex discrimination act (1975)

What do "difference feminists" believe?

They believe that not all women's experiences can be generalized and that there are other issues which can affect thus such as class or ethnicity