Core ideas/principles of feminism
- Sex & gender: sex = biological differences between men and women; gender = the different
roles that society ascribes to men and women (cultural/social differences)
- Associated w/: Simone De Beauvoir - socialist feminism (emphasised that women are
socialised into their role in society, not born into it)
- Patriarchy = society/state/the economy are characterised by systematic/
institutionalised/pervasive gender oppression
- Associated w/: Simone De Beauvoir - socialist feminism (only men have the freedom
to present themselves as essential; women are inherently inessential)
- Personal is political = idea that all relationships (both in society + in private relationships)
between men + women are based on power + dominance
- Associated w/ 2nd wave feminism: phrase attributed to Carol Hanish (radical
feminism)
- Difference & equality feminism; difference feminism = men + women have a
fundamentally different nature from one another; equality feminism = seeks equality for men
+ women in society
- Equality feminism most closely associated w/ socialist feminism (equality feminists
are left-wing)
- Intersectionality = argues that black + w/c women’s experiences of patriarchy in
state/society/the economy are different from white m/c women
- Aspect of 4th wave feminism: most closely associated w/ bell hooks
Liberal feminism
- Main branch of feminism
- Applies liberal values (individualism, equality) to women
- Reformist feminism: gradual reform to society w/o revolution/upheaval
- Women are rational individuals who are entitled to universal + inalienable human rights
- Aim to facilitate a ‘diversity of lifestyles’ amongst women
- Argue for a society where women have political equality to men (focus on the public sphere)
- No aim of challenging the private/domestic sphere (up to men/women to choose what
to do) so restructuring of society not required
- Sex discrimination can be eradicated through legislation + employment regulations (to
prevent workplace discrimination); legal rights form the basis for gender equality
- Once these barriers are removed, women will enter all spheres + compete w/ men
- The more young girls can see women in all types of jobs the sooner gender
stereotypes will disappear
- View marriage as an equal partnership (so advocate for greater share of childcare
responsibilities)
- ‘Otherness’: developed from De Beauvoir’s work; identities of minority groups are controlled
by those who hold a greater level of political power (rather than being innate) - identities of
women are constructed by men to serve their own interests (they are presented as the ‘other
sex’)
- Key thinkers: Mary Wollestonecraft, John Stuart Mill, Virginia Woolf, Betty Friedan, Simone
De Beauvoir, Charlotte Perkins Gillman
- Key texts: ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’ (Mary Wollestonecraft - 1792), ‘The
Feminine Mystique’ (Betty Friedan - 1963)
- Associated movements: women’s suffrage movement, campaigns for abortion/freely available
contraception/reform to divorce laws
- Criticisms:
- bell hooks: too great a focus on female equality with men of their own class (usually
m/c)
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller ellie24lauren. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.55. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
