Feminism- general knowledge

What is the central belief of feminism?

That society is patriarchal and women are disadvantaged due to systemic inequality between the sexes.

What is patriarchy?

A social system where men hold primary power in roles of leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

What are the four main strands of feminism?

Liberal feminism, socialist feminism, radical feminism, postmodern feminism.

What do liberal feminists believe?

Focus on individual rights and equality through legal and political reform within the current system.

Who is a key liberal feminist thinker?

Mary Wollstonecraft – argued for equal access to education for women so they can be rational and independent.

What did Betty Friedan argue?

In 'The Feminine Mystique', she said women were unfulfilled by domestic roles and needed access to education and work.

How do liberal feminists view the state?

They see the state as a neutral body that can be used to promote legal and political equality.

What is the liberal feminist view on equality?

Focus on formal equality (equal legal rights) and equal opportunities, rather than absolute equality of outcome.

What do radical feminists believe?

Patriarchy is deeply rooted in all aspects of life and must be radically restructured or overthrown.

Who is a key radical feminist thinker?

Andrea Dworkin – criticised the objectification of women, especially in pornography, which she saw as reinforcing male dominance.

What did bell hooks argue?

Gender, race, and class are interlinked in systems of oppression – intersectional feminism.

How do radical feminists view the state?

They often see the state as inherently patriarchal and not a tool for meaningful change.

What is the radical feminist view on the family?

The family is a key site of oppression where traditional roles reinforce female subordination.

What do socialist feminists believe?

Capitalism reinforces patriarchy; women’s oppression is tied to class exploitation.

Who is a key socialist feminist thinker?

Charlotte Perkins Gilman – linked economic independence to liberation; women must work to be free.

What did Sheila Rowbotham argue?

Capitalism and patriarchy are interlinked – women's liberation requires a socialist revolution.

What is the socialist feminist view of the state?

The state supports capitalism and patriarchy; reform is not enough – it must be fundamentally transformed.

What do postmodern feminists believe?

Reject fixed definitions of ‘woman’ – gender is socially constructed and fluid.

Who is a key postmodern feminist thinker?

Simone de Beauvoir – "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" – gender roles are imposed by society.

What is intersectionality?

The idea that gender oppression overlaps with other identities like race, class, and sexuality.

How do feminists view human nature?

Generally, that human nature is not fixed – gender roles are socially constructed, not biologically determined.

What do feminists say about society?

Society is male-dominated and has been shaped historically by patriarchal values and structures.

What is the feminist view of the economy?

Liberal: support for equal access to work. Socialist: capitalism entrenches gender inequality. Radical: economic independence is necessary but not sufficient.

What is the feminist view of the state?

Liberal: a vehicle for reform. Radical: a tool of patriarchy. Socialist: serves capitalist-patriarchal interests. Postmodern: sceptical of universal solutions from the state.

What is difference feminism?

Emphasises differences between men and women and the unique value of female traits (often linked to cultural feminism).

What is equality feminism?

Seeks to remove all barriers to equality between men and women, focusing on sameness and formal rights.

How do feminists view the family?

As a patriarchal institution that reinforces gender roles and female subordination, especially in radical and socialist strands.

How has feminism evolved over time?

From first-wave (legal rights) to second-wave (social and cultural equality), to third-wave (diversity and identity) and fourth-wave (online activism and intersectionality).