Feminist views on social inequality:
Intro:
Feminists have debated between themselves about the significance
of gender inequality and the route that should be followed to create
equality between the genders
All feminists agree the problem for women in society is structural -
society is patriarchal, feminism is a conflict theory because men and
women struggle for power
Point 1: Walby Triple Systems Theory
AO2:
She argues society maintains patriarchy, capitalism and racism,
therefore the arguments of biological theories of patriarchy are
weakened
Women are often segregated into lower-paid, lower-status jobs. The
labour market is gendered, with men dominating the top positions.
Women often face a “glass ceiling” - invisible barriers to promotion
Capitalism and patriarchy work together to exploit women
economically - they are cheap labour and often do unpaid work at
home too
Women do the majority of domestic labour - cleaning, childcare,
cooking - often unpaid and undervalued. Men benefit from this, as it
supports their paid work and comfort at home
Walby sees the home as a key site of patriarchal control, where
women are expected to care for others, often at the expense of their
own independence
Institutions like the law, education, and politics often reinforce male
power. For example, legal systems have historically failed to protect
women from domestic abuse or sexual violence, women are
underrepresented in political positions of power
The state helps to maintain male dominance by failing to challenge
to actively supporting gender inequalities
AO3:
However, Functionalist biological theories of male dominance would
criticise this view
Parsons’ sex role theory
Point 2: Liberal Feminism
AO2:
First Wave (1870s-1920s) - lack of political rights/voting rights
prompt the suffrage movement among women
Second Wave (1960s-1970s) - Liberal Feminism demands access to
contraception, abortion, employment and educational equality
March of progress: legislation (Reformists)
Changing education/attitudes: GIST+WISE (Sue Sharpe)
Oakley: manipulation/canalisation - norms and values according to
gender: reinforces gender stereotypes to address socialisation
He For She campaign: Emma Watson/no misogyny
Intro:
Feminists have debated between themselves about the significance
of gender inequality and the route that should be followed to create
equality between the genders
All feminists agree the problem for women in society is structural -
society is patriarchal, feminism is a conflict theory because men and
women struggle for power
Point 1: Walby Triple Systems Theory
AO2:
She argues society maintains patriarchy, capitalism and racism,
therefore the arguments of biological theories of patriarchy are
weakened
Women are often segregated into lower-paid, lower-status jobs. The
labour market is gendered, with men dominating the top positions.
Women often face a “glass ceiling” - invisible barriers to promotion
Capitalism and patriarchy work together to exploit women
economically - they are cheap labour and often do unpaid work at
home too
Women do the majority of domestic labour - cleaning, childcare,
cooking - often unpaid and undervalued. Men benefit from this, as it
supports their paid work and comfort at home
Walby sees the home as a key site of patriarchal control, where
women are expected to care for others, often at the expense of their
own independence
Institutions like the law, education, and politics often reinforce male
power. For example, legal systems have historically failed to protect
women from domestic abuse or sexual violence, women are
underrepresented in political positions of power
The state helps to maintain male dominance by failing to challenge
to actively supporting gender inequalities
AO3:
However, Functionalist biological theories of male dominance would
criticise this view
Parsons’ sex role theory
Point 2: Liberal Feminism
AO2:
First Wave (1870s-1920s) - lack of political rights/voting rights
prompt the suffrage movement among women
Second Wave (1960s-1970s) - Liberal Feminism demands access to
contraception, abortion, employment and educational equality
March of progress: legislation (Reformists)
Changing education/attitudes: GIST+WISE (Sue Sharpe)
Oakley: manipulation/canalisation - norms and values according to
gender: reinforces gender stereotypes to address socialisation
He For She campaign: Emma Watson/no misogyny
