Tensions within Feminism

Achieving equality

• Liberal feminists believe that equality can be achieved through democratic reforms, using the current legal and economic systems.

• Radical feminists believe that this won’t happen, as women aren’t just dominated in the public sphere but also the private sphere. There needs to be a sexual revolution in order to change attitudes along with structures.

The state

• Liberal feminists see the state as a means to reach reforms that will enable equality between men and women.

• Radical and socialist feminists see the state as a part of the discrimination that women have experienced, both socially and economically.

The economy

• Socialist feminists believe that capitalism is a key source of patriarchy, and the position of women in the economy translates into their position in society.

• Other feminists, particularly liberal feminists, believe that women should be allowed to participate in the capitalist system, but should do so independently to achieve liberty and economic freedom.