SOCI 3003 — Lecture 8

What is Chivalry?

Pertains to behaviours and attitudes toward certain individuals that treat them as though they are on a pedestal. Chivalrous behaviour is more complex than just preferential treatment.

What is Paternalism?

Denotes that women need to be protected for their own good. Implies independence for men and dependence for women.

What do chivalry and paternalism suggest?

Suggest that certain groups need protection because they are weak and helpless.

What is patriarchy?

The Latin word pater refers to the social role of a father. Societies exclude women from the exercise of political responsibilities. Is a social, legal, and political climate based on dominance and hierarchy of men. A key aspect is that women's nature is biologically determined.

What is gender ratio issue?

It refers to theorizing and research that examines why women so often commit less serious, less violent offences than men. If we understood why women commit far less violence, then could try to reduce offending by men.

What is generalizability issue?

The argument is consistent with the ideas about the gender ratio issue; critics argue that theorists should take the findings for offending by men and generalize them to women. Since there are numerous differences between men and women in what predicts their offending patterns, simply generalizing would not be wise.

What have seminal theories predicted?

Predicted that women who have more freedom and rights would result in far higher offending rates for women. An increase in crime has been observed in property and public order crimes, but they are committed by girls or women who have not benefitted from such freedom and rights.

What is Liberal Feminism?

Assumed that differences between men and women in offending were due to the lack of opportunities for women in education and employment and that, as more women were given such opportunities, they would come to resemble men in terms of offending.

What is Liberal Feminism also termed as?

Also termed mainstream feminism, it is founded on political liberalism, which holds a positive view of human nature as well as the ideals of liberty, equality, justice, dignity, and individual rights. Women should receive the same rights and treatment as men.

What are 2 types of liberal feminists?

Classical and welfare

What are classical liberal feminists?

Support limited government and a free market as well as political and legal rights. Central facts of this approach are freedom of expression, religion, and conscience.

What are welfare liberal feminists?

Favour government involvement in providing citizens, particularly underprivileged individuals, with housing, education, health care, and social security.

What are the 4 types of Feminism?

1. Critical/Radical feminism

2. Marxist Feminism

3. Socialist Feminism

4. Postmodern feminism

What is Critical/Radical feminism?

Emphasizes the idea that many societies are based on a structure of patriarchy wherein men dominate virtually every aspect of society, including politics, family structure, and the economy.

How did radical feminism evolve?

Evolved from the women's liberation movement and emphasizes the importance of personal feelings, experiences, and relationships.

What is gender?

A system of dominance by men, and women's biology is the main cause of patriarchy. Men need to control women's sexuality and reproductive potential.

What is sexism?

Radical feminists agree about sexism being a form of oppression.

What are 2 types of radical feminism?

1. Libertarian

2. cultural

What is Marxist feminism?

Emphasizes men's ownership and control of the means of economic production thus focusing solely on the economic structure. Point out that men control economic success which flows from capitalism. One of the primary assumptions of capitalism is survival of the fittest or the best person for the job, which would seem to favour women.

What is socialist feminism?

Emphasized control of reproductive systems. This model believes that women should take control of their own bodies and their reproductive functions in order to control their criminality.

What is postmodern feminism?

Understanding of women as a group, even by other women is impossible because every person's experience is unique. Every person interprets each observation subjectively.

What do postmodern feminism emphasis on?

Emphasis on plurality, diversity, and multiplicity

What do Postmodern feminism reject?

Reject ideas centred on an absolute world that is phallogocentric.

What is Praxis?

Does not refer just to consciousness raising. Also refers to the "development of alternative arrangements that will themselves provide models for change and will in the process change consciousness."