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Liberal Feminism

Liberal feminists are optimistic about achieving gender equality and believe society is progressing toward egalitarianism. They do not hold men responsible for inequality but acknowledge its persistence. They identify two primary barriers to gender equality:

  • Gender Role Socialization
    Gender role socialization is the process through which individuals learn gender norms, primarily within the family. 
  • Parents raise children to identify as male or female, reinforcing gender stereotypes across generations. 
  • This leads boys to perceive themselves as dominant over women, perpetuating inequality.

Social Policy
Liberal feminists recognize progress through legislation but argue that some laws still discriminate against women. For instance, expectations around maternity leave can hinder women’s career advancement, creating barriers to equality.

Marxist Feminism

Marxist feminists emphasize the additional exploitation women face in capitalist systems compared to men.

Women and Capitalism

  • Drawing from traditional Marxist theory, Marxist feminists criticize Marx for neglecting women’s exploitation within capitalism. 
  • They focus on how women are disproportionately disadvantaged in capitalist structures.

Exploitation
Marxist feminists highlight how women’s unpaid domestic labor within the family unit benefits capitalism by supporting the system without compensation.

Status

  • They argue that in capitalist societies, status is tied to wealth generated through paid work. 
  • Women, often occupied with unpaid domestic tasks, are denied access to this status, reinforcing their subordination.

Radical Feminism

Radical feminists view men as the primary oppressors of women and patriarchy as the central form of social inequality.

Patriarchy
Patriarchy, originally meaning "rule by fathers," refers to a male-dominated society. Radical feminists argue that all societies are patriarchal, with men systematically oppressing women through "sexual politics."

Feminism | Sociology for A Level - Year 13

Female Oppression
They assert that men are the main adversaries of women, and patriarchy is the root of social inequality, perpetuating female oppression across all societies.

Sexuality

  • Radical feminists focus on sexuality, with theorists like Rich arguing that men enforce "compulsory heterosexuality" on women. 
  • This practice is seen as limiting and unsatisfying for women while serving male desires.
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FAQs on Feminism - Sociology for A Level - Year 13

1. What are the main principles of Liberal Feminism?
Ans. Liberal Feminism advocates for gender equality through legal and political reforms. It emphasizes individual rights and equal opportunities for women in various areas such as education, employment, and politics. Key principles include the belief in democracy, the importance of personal choice, and the need for institutional changes to eliminate discrimination against women.
2. How does Marxist Feminism explain the oppression of women?
Ans. Marxist Feminism views women's oppression as rooted in the capitalist system, which exploits labor for profit. It argues that capitalism reinforces gender inequalities and that women's roles are often relegated to unpaid domestic work, which supports the workforce without recognition or compensation. This perspective emphasizes the need for a revolutionary change in both class structure and gender relations to achieve true equality.
3. What are the key beliefs of Radical Feminism?
Ans. Radical Feminism posits that the root cause of women's oppression lies in patriarchy, a systemic and pervasive structure that maintains male dominance. This branch of feminism advocates for a complete societal overhaul to dismantle patriarchal systems, emphasizing the importance of women's autonomy and the need for women-only spaces. Radical feminists often critique traditional gender roles and advocate for transformative changes in personal and social relationships.
4. What distinguishes Liberal Feminism from Radical Feminism?
Ans. The primary distinction between Liberal Feminism and Radical Feminism lies in their approach to addressing women's issues. Liberal Feminism seeks to achieve equality through legal reforms and policy changes within existing systems, while Radical Feminism calls for a fundamental restructuring of society to eliminate patriarchy. Liberal feminists focus on equal rights and opportunities, whereas radical feminists emphasize the need to challenge and dismantle the root causes of gender oppression.
5. How have these feminist movements evolved over time?
Ans. Feminist movements have evolved significantly, responding to changing societal norms and challenges. Liberal Feminism emerged in the 19th century, focusing on legal rights and access to education. Marxist Feminism gained traction in the early 20th century, linking class and gender oppression. Radical Feminism rose in the 1960s, highlighting the role of patriarchy. Each movement reflects the socio-political context of its time and continues to influence contemporary discussions on gender equality and social justice.
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