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Summary Feminism in Sociology
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A summary of the different types of feminism within sociology, their beliefs, their strengths and weaknesses.
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Theories and MethodsTopic 1 – Feminism
Types of feminism
6 types - Liberal feminists
- Radical feminists
- Marxist feminists
- Dual system feminists
- Difference feminists
- Poststructuralists feminists
Overview of feminism
Key concepts - Conflict theory
- Sociology is malestream
- Evolved over time
Conflict theory Patriarchy has oppressed women in society
Sociology is malestream Male thinkers focus on male issues
Evolved over time Increasingly dealt with issues relating to
different types of women
Waves of feminism 1. Political equality
2. Socio-economic equality
3. Intersectionality
4. Empowerment of women
Liberal feminism
Views Liberalism is concerned with human and civil
rights, the freedom of the individual
Believes that all human beings should have
equal rights
Legal reform Believes in tackling inequality through legal
reform (changes to policies and law)
These changes to the existing system have had
an effect on women’s lives in: education, family
and work
Eg. The Divorce Reform Act (1969), The Equal
Pay Act (1970), The Sex Discrimination Act
(1975)
Cultural change Believe that there are issues with gender
, stereotypes and prejudices which are a barrier
to equality
Eg. The belief that women are less rational,
more emotional – this is used to legitimate
their exclusion from authoritative/managerial
roles and instead confining them to
childbearing/housework roles
Oakley (1972) Distinguishes between sex and gender
Sex Biological and physical difference between men
and women
Gender Socially and culturally constructed between
masculine and feminine roles/identities
assigned to men and women
Sex and gender differences Sex differences are fixed but gender differences
vary between cultures or time
Solutions To change socialisation patterns
Eg. Promoting appropriate role models in
education, the family and the media and to
challenge gender stereotypes in the media
Methods - Lobby politicians
- Campaigns
- Demonstrations
- Petitions
- Media
Strengths - Studies provide evidence of gender
inequality which legitimises demands
for change
- Liberal feminism work demonstrated
that gender differences are not inborn
but cultural
- Raises awareness about how education
and the media reinforce gender
stereotypes
- Changes to the law
Weaknesses - Over-optimistic: change in attitudes
and laws to remove obstacles to
women’s independence
Walby (1997) Criticises a lack of explanation for the overall
structure of gender inequality
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