KC

Notes on Macro vs Micro Theories and Feminist Theory

Macro-level theories: consensus theory and macro stability

  • Despite differences in focus (stability vs. inequality and conflict), both are macro-level theories that examine the smooth functioning of society.
  • Consensus theory (often linked to structural functionalism) is macro because it looks at the economic system and broad patterns of inequality across society.
  • If you want a comprehensive understanding of the social world, you should consider the experiences of everyone and what people do every day.
  • Everyday experiences and daily lives are essential to a full picture of social reality, not just abstract structures.

Feminist theory: question bout women?

  • A key contribution of feminist theory is to ask: who do we mean when we say "women"?
  • The question expands to: which women are we talking about? This leads to the need for more precise concepts (e.g., intersectionality).
  • The term intersectionality is an important contribution of feminist theory, and its use is widespread in social analysis.
  • Anecdote: the term intersectionality became familiar to the lecturer later in life (mentioned Brexit as a moment when she first heard it publicly).

Intersectionality: multiple identities

  • Intersectionality refers to how, at any given time, we have multiple aspects of our identity that interact and shape experiences.
  • Example from the lecturer: not being ver just a woman; identities include race, ability, sexuality, and other social positions (e.g., white woman, able-bodied woman, heterosexual woman) that intersect and influence one another.
  • Feminist theory broadens its scope beyond just bout women" to include women who are marginalized or face multiple layers of disadvantage.
  • This approach highlights how different axes of identity (race, class, sexuality, gender identity, disability, etc.) intersect to produce unique experiences of inequality.
  • Marginalized women receive particular attention within intersectionality because their experiences reveal gaps in analyses that treat all women as a uniform group.

Feminist theory and change

  • Feminist theory is change-oriented: it seeks not only to study inequality but also to advocate for solutions and social transformation.
  • This orientation aligns feminist theory with conflict theory, which also emphasizes change and challenging the status quo.
  • Conflict theory critics the existing system as unfair and explores possibilities for alternative arrangements.
  • The idea is that systems of power (e.g., patriarchy) can be questioned and potentially replaced with more equitable arrangements.

Patriarchy: central concept in feminist theory

  • Patriarchy is described as a system of male domination over women.
  • When feminist theorists re-examined Karl Marx and discussed women, they argued that class matters for women but patriarchy also shapes women lives.
  • Patriarchy is a key concept because it describes broad patterns where men are more likely to hold leadership roles in governments, communities, and families, influencing the experiences of both men and women.
  • This leads to ongoing gender inequality and differences in opportunities and outcomes for women compared to men.
  • The term can be controversial and hotly debated in public discourse (TQRP) with some arguing patriarchy exists, others denying it.
  • The lecturer emphasizes that the current discussion is not about resolving the debate here but understanding what patriarchy means and why it matters in feminist theory.
  • A future part of the course will examine empirical evidence for a system of domination of women and look at data to evaluate the claim.
  • In day-one pedagogy, the course emphasizes data and empirical questions: Is there such a thing as patriarchy? How would we test that with evidence?

TQRP and debates about patriarchy

  • TQRP refers to a hotly debated term related to patriarchy. On social media, you can find arguments that patriarchy both exists and does not exist.
  • The instructor notes that this debate is interesting but does not dive into it in this lecture; the key goal is to understand the concept of patriarchy and its significance in feminist theory.

Feminist theory: macro and micro dimensions

  • Feminist theory can be both macro and micro in scope.
  • Macro-level feminism tackles large-scale structures like patriarchy and how they shape societies.
  • Micro-level feminism examines everyday, person-to-person interactions and how gender dynamics play out in daily life.
  • Therefore, feminist theory is not limited to one scale; it can analyze big-picture structures and small-scale interactions.
  • The speaker notes that some feminist analyses focus on macro structures (e.g., patriarchy as a system) while others investigate micro-level phenomena (e.g., interactions between individuals).

Connections to earlier theories and empirical emphasis

  • Structural functionalism and consensus theory are cited as macro-level theories, illustrating a shared emphasis on social order (how society functions as a whole).
  • Feminist theory shares the macro orientation (patriarchy as a structure) but also embraces micro-level analysis (everyday gendered interactions).
  • The course foregrounds the empirical dimension: future discussions will explore data and evidence for key concepts like patriarchy.

Practical implications and real-world relevance

  • Understanding intersectionality helps explain why different groups of women experience inequality differently (e.g., race, class, disability, sexuality).
  • Recognizing patriarchy as a system of power can inform policy discussions, leadership representation, and efforts toward gender equality.
  • The emphasis on change orientation highlights the role of research in shaping advocacy and reform efforts.
  • The Brexit remark illustrates how contemporary events can amplify awareness of intersectionality in public discourse.

Side notes from the lecture

  • A printer issue interrupted the flow, illustrating how real-classroom hiccups occur during lectures.
  • The lecturer uses a mix of everyday examples and theoretical terms to connect abstract ideas to students' lived experiences.

Summary cues for study

  • Distinguish macro vs micro perspectives in sociological theory.
  • Define consensus theory/macro stability and contrast with conflict theory.
  • Define feminist theory and its dual macro/micro orientation.
  • Define intersectionality and its importance for examining multiple identities.
  • Understand patriarchy as a central concept in feminist theory and its relationship to class.
  • Be aware of ongoing debates about the existence and scope of patriarchy and the importance of empirical testing.
  • Connect theoretical perspectives to real-world contexts and data-driven analysis.