Feminism

What is feminism?

A perspective that focuses on gender inequality and women's experiences.

What is liberal feminism?

It focuses on achieving gender equality through gradual social and legal reform.

Who are key liberal feminist theorists?

Ann Oakley and Janet? [as shown in notes]

What does liberal feminism argue causes gender inequality?

Sexist attitudes and discrimination in society.

What policies do liberal feminists support?

Equal opportunities, anti-discrimination laws and equal pay.

What is a strength of liberal feminism?

It has contributed to real legal and social changes for women.

What is a weakness of liberal feminism?

It may underestimate the deeper structural causes of women's oppression.

What is radical feminism?

It argues that patriarchy is the main cause of women's oppression.

What is patriarchy?

A system where men hold power and women are disadvantaged.

Who are key radical feminist theorists?

Kate Millett, Andrea Dworkin and Shulamith Firestone.

What does radical feminism focus on?

Women's oppression by men and the power of patriarchy.

What do radical feminists argue about the family?

The family can reproduce patriarchal power and women's oppression.

What policies do radical feminists support?

Policies challenging sexual inequality and discrimination against women.

What is a strength of radical feminism?

It highlights women's experiences of patriarchy and raises awareness of sexual inequality.

What is a weakness of radical feminism?

It can overemphasise women's oppression and ignore differences between women.

What is Marxist feminism?

It argues that capitalism and patriarchy combine to oppress women.

How does capitalism oppress women?

Women provide unpaid domestic labour that benefits capitalism.

Who are key Marxist feminist theorists?

Benston and Ansley.

What does Marxist feminism argue about domestic labour?

Women's unpaid domestic labour supports capitalism by reproducing the workforce.

What is a strength of Marxist feminism?

It explains how women's oppression is linked to capitalism and class inequality.

What is a weakness of Marxist feminism?

It can reduce women's oppression to class and overlook other inequalities.

What is intersectional feminism?

It argues that gender inequality intersects with class, ethnicity and other inequalities.

Who developed the concept of intersectionality?

Kimberlé Crenshaw.

What does intersectionality focus on?

How multiple inequalities combine to shape people's experiences.

Why does intersectional feminism criticise other feminist perspectives?

They may treat women as one group and ignore differences between women.

What is a strength of intersectional feminism?

It recognises diversity and different experiences of oppression.

What is a weakness of intersectional feminism?

It can be difficult to identify which inequality has the greatest impact.

How do feminists influence social policy?

They campaign for legal equality, anti-discrimination measures and greater opportunities.