Feminist no2

Feminists see the family as a key institution that reinforces gender inequality and allows for patriarchal structure of society

Liberal feminism

  • Believes in the gradual change through laws and education

  • Argues that gender inequality is being overcome through reforms (equal pay act, sex discrimination laws)

  • See the march of progress in family roles- men are doing more domestic work and women have more opportunities

Critique- Too optimistic- The underestimate deep-rooted structural inequality

Jenny Somerville- Recognises progress but says women still face issues like dual burden

Marxist feminism

  • Believes main cause of women’s oppression is capitalism, not just patriarchy

Women-

  • Reproduce the labour force (Raise children)

  • Absorb anger (Emotional support for men- safety valve)

  • Are a reserve army of labour (hired during booms and fired during slumps)

Ansley- Women are ‘Takers of shit’ from frustrated working men

Radical feminism

  • Argue that the patriarchy (male dominance) is the root of all inequality

  • The family is a key sight of female oppression- Through unpaid domestic labour, sexual abuse and control over womens body’s

  • Call for separatism (living apart from men) or matrifocal households

Greer- Advocates for all female households to escape patriarchal control

Evaluation of feminists views

Strengths-

  • Highlights gender roles and inequality in the family

  • Brings attention to unpaid domestic labour and the emotional burden on women

Criticisms-

  • Neglects positive aspects of family life (love, support)

  • Ignores male victims of domestic abuse

  • Liberal and radical feminists often ignore class and ethnicity differences