Feminism - 1.1

Question 1

What Is Liberal Feminism?

Answer 1

• Liberal feminists are the most optimistic and progressive with regard to their outlook in the quest for equality.
• They don’t blame men for inequality however they do believe that gender inequality does still exist although we are moving towards a more equal society.

Question 2

What are the two barriers that Liberal Feminists believe are preventing gender equality?

Answer 2

Gender Role Socialisation

Social Policy

Question 3

Explain how Gender Role Socialisation is a barrier to gender equality.

Answer 3

• Gender Role is the process in which we learn the core elements of our gender.
• This takes place in the family where we are taught to act how a male or female would act.
• E.g. Boys are taught to develop interests towards hobbies which are considered mainly, for example, Cars, Construction, Football etc.
• Gender stereotypes are maintained and reproduced through generations which lead boys to believe they hold dominance over women.   

Question 4

Explain how Social Policy is a barrier to gender equality.

Answer 4

Liberal Feminists believe progress has been made through legislation, there are still some laws that discriminate against women for instance, being expected to take maternity leave as this can have an impact on their career prospects. 

Question 5

What is Marxism Feminism?

Answer 5

• Marxist Feminists focus on the exploitation of women in the family and how it benefits capitalism.
• They believe that due to the nature of capitalism, the only way in which status can be gained is to generate wealth through paid employment.
• The problem for most women is that much of their days are dominated by unpaid domestic labour that provides them with no status.

Question 6

What Is Radical Feminism?

Answer 6

• Radical Feminists’ primary focus is on ‘patriarchy’ which used to describe a male-dominated society.
• They believe that all societies are patriarchal and men oppress women through ‘sexual politics’.
• Men are the main enemy of all women and therefore patriarchy is the main form of social inequality according to radical feminists.
• RICH argues that men push women into ‘compulsory heterosexuality’ which they believes is narrow and unsatisfying to women but beneficial to men as it fulfils their desires.

Question 7

What term has become the term commonly used to describe a male-dominated society?

Answer 7

Patriarchy

Question 8

What type of feminism is the most optimistic and progressive with regard to their outlook in the quest for equality?

Answer 8

Liberal Feminists