Feminist Theory
Women suffer injustices based on their sex
They stress the importance of gender divisions in society and portray them as to work to the advantage of men
Common desire for sexual justice and a concern for women's welfare
Liberal feminism - Focuses on equal rights
Radical feminism - Focuses on the sex war and separatism (they see patriarchy built into the structure of society)
Marxist/socialist feminism - Focuses on the impact of capitalism
Black feminism - Focuses on racism and ethnicity
Ann Oakley and Claire Wallace - Famous proponents of feminism, both sociologists
Patriarchy - Dominance of men in society and the oppression of women for the gain of men
Discrimination - Unfair or unequal of treatment of women
Gender stereotypes - Negative generalisations or misconceptions about women, which are perpetuated in the media and education system
Economic dependency - Women giving up work to take care of children/housework so becoming more dependent on their husbands for money
Emotional work - Women are expected to do a lot of emotional care alongside a job and housework
Education promotes male dominance, the system is patriarchal and men dominate top positions
Liberal feminists want equal access to education
Marxist feminists want to consider gender inequalities combined with class and ethnicity
Radical feminists believe men are a bad influence and we should have female centred education
Family is patriarchal and dominated by men, also exploiting and oppressing women, it supports and reproduces inequalities
Marriage remains patriarchal and men benefit from wives and women remain dependent on men
Media perpetuates stereotypes for women and their role in society, which shows patriarchy
Religion is patriarchal, most gods are male and so are most leaders, women play a secondary role and have fewer options in some societies
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