Edexcel Politics A level revision - UK Government, Non Core Political Ideas - Feminism
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Course
Non core political ideas - Feminism
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
From the specification: Feminism option
Feminism is an ideology based on the belief that society is characterised by unequal gender power and status. All forms of feminism are committed to advancing the social role of
women, ensuring that the disadvantages they face can and should be overthrown....
Context of Feminism
The simplest definition of feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the
grounds of the desired equality of the sexes.
Early feminism
• Feminist ideas began in the Enlightenment period. The first key feminist
text was by Mary Wollstonecraft, “A Vindication of the Rights of
Women” in 1792.
• Women were still treated as second-class citizens during the 19th
century across the world.
• Women had no domestic rights, legal protection or political voice.
• Feminism did not emerge as an ideology until the 20th century and the
term has only become commonly accepted since the 1960s, according to
Heywood.
21st century feminism
• Feminism embraces a diverse range of beliefs and goals. These have
multiplied and become more complex over time, leading to criticisms of
fragmentation and incoherence.
• But, women’s issues and feminist perspectives are still significant in the
21st century.
• Examples include the #MeToo movement, demands to end the pay gap,
new legislation on domestic violence in the UK and the campaign to stop
changes to abortion laws in some US states.
, Sex and Gender
13 April 2022 13:58
Sex and Gender - Sex refers to biological differences between men and
women. Gender, on the other hand, refers to the different roles that society
ascribes to men and women.
• Sex or biology is natural and unalterable e.g. our genes, hormones and
sexual organs.
• Gender roles are defined by society and culture for men and women,
usually through stereotypes such as "masculine" and "feminine".
Masculine vs feminine
So-called masculine traits, such as competitiveness and aggression, are seen
as superior to so-called feminine traits. Feminine traits are usually portrayed
as passivity and submissiveness.
• Conservative thinkers argued that the social roles men and women have
traditionally taken are those which are best suited to their nature e.g.
men as decision-makers.
Feminist response:
• Feminist thinkers challenged this, emphasising that a woman's sex
should not determine her social position.
• Gender roles are imposed on women, with no resemblance to their
natural abilities, potential or personal ambitions.
• So, gender equality is the idea that women should enjoy equal rights,
entitlements and opportunities.
Personhood and Conflict - The idea of androgyny/personhood is linked to
sex and gender. This says that biological differences are minimal and human
beings should not be judged or shaped by their sex but as people.
• However, different feminists disagree, arguing that there are essential
biological differences between men and women, which alter their
characters and personalities.
Responses of different feminists:
• Liberal feminists argue for equal rights and say women do not need to
accept traditional female responsibilities e.g. to stay at home.
• Socialist feminists argue that gender is less significant than class and
“class politics” should be the key feminist focus.
• Radical feminists say that a child’s upbringing should be a responsibility
of the community or the state, not women.
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