triple system- Walby

Walby has developed an approach to understanding gender in contemporary societies which does not fit into any of the types of feminism as previously discussed. She argues that experiences of ethnicity and social class complicate what it means to be female.

For example, women from working and middle class backgrounds, different ethnic groups and different sexualities are all oppressed in different ways. Therefore, she believes that we must combine the study of patriarchy with that of capitalism and racism to understand the position of all females in society today.

She suggests that both private and public patriarchy exist and in both spheres women are disadvantaged.

Additionally, Black Feminists state that according to many white feminists the family could be a site of oppression, however in their findings it was clear that for black women the family could often be a haven from the racism of white society, and a positive rather than a negative environment.

evaluation:

1. Within society, inequalities still remain for men, the DFES state within the education system young boys, of a working-class, black ethnic background continue to underachieve across all levels.

2. Marxist Zaretsky would criticise Black Feminists view of the family as a safe haven. Zaretsky argues the family creates the illusion that the family is a safety valve and private from society, yet by allowing frustration and upset to be released, it benefits capitalism only. This shows how a capitalist society remains.