Paper 1 Section B - Topic 7 = Feminism and the Family

Radical Feminists

Seek to abolish patriarchy in ever area of life - with immediate drastic change over slow and gradual. Argue the nuclear family is oppressive towards women. Men are the problem x

Radical = DELPHY & LEONARD

DELPHY & LEONARD - The family is an institution that plays a major part in the oppression of women. As its an economic system in which men benefit from. Women work for the male head of the household and he holds economic power. He’s the head of house and everyone else is a dependent. By which they are repressed and work without pay.

Marxist Feminism = BENSTON and ANSLEY

BENSTON - The unpaid domestic work of women helps to support the capitalist system. Women support the male workforce, enabling them to go back out into the workplace - cook meals and attend to emotional needs. Women also reproduce the labour force for free - socialise and care for children at no cost to the capitalist employers. The whole capitalist system depends on women’s unpaid work

ANSLEY - Women act as a safety valve for men - release from pressures of outside world. Takers of shit - husbands take anger and frustration out on wives after being exploited at work. - links to dark side of the family.

Liberal Feminism

Gradual reform is more effective - changing rules and regulations

OAKLEY - Gender roles are socially constructed through socialisation in the family. 4 processes; canalisation, manipulation, verbal appellation and different activities. These shape our gendered behaviour and ensure that we don’t deviate from what is appropriate behaviour for our gender in layer life - works to maintain the patriarchy - girls are socialised into housewives.