Type of feminism Topic/Sociologist Key findings
Liberal/reform Reformists Liberal feminists are referred to as reformists. They believe that gender equality can be achieved through
feminists parliamentary laws that reform existing practises in society. This means that laws and policies against sex
discrimination in employment and education can secure equal opportunities for women. E.g. Sex
Discrimination Act 1975 and Equal Pay Act 1970
Sex and gender Sex- biological differences between males and females that reproductive/hormonal. Gender- culturally
constructed differences between ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ roles. It’s important to separate out sex from
gender as women’s biology often influences cultural expectations about women’s role.
Link to They challenge Parsons’ instrumental and expressive roles ascribe to men and women. Liberal feminists argue
functionalism that men and women equally capable of performing both roles. BUT they do arguer that a harmonious
relationship between men and women can develop, once gender stereotypes are challenged via non-sexist
socialisation.
Criticisms 1. Liberal feminists have helped demonstrate that gender differences are not inborn but the result of different
treatment of socialisation patterns.
2. They are criticised for being over-optimistic.
3. They see obstacles to emancipation as simply the prejudices if individuals or irrational laws that can be
reformed away.
4. They ignore how women’s oppression is down to patriarchy or capitalism.
5. Sylvia Walby argues that they offer no explanation for the overall structure of gender inequality.
6. Conflict feminists (Marxist and radical feminists) argue that they fail to recognise the underlying causes of
women’s subordination and that they are naïve.
7. Other feminists argue that far-reaching, revolutionary changes are needed.
Radical feminism Patriarchy Most important social division in society. Refers to male domination within the family, and this is carried over
into all areas of public life. Shows how in all societies, in all cultures throughout time, women have been
dominated by men.
The personal is It’s because men dominate women through personal relationships (or in the family), this private conflictual
political relationship should be viewed or challenged in the way Marxists view ‘workers v capitalists’. The goal of
radical feminism, therefore, is the abolition of patriarchal family via separatism or political lesbianism.
Consciousness-raising – through sharing their experiences in women only conscious-raising groups, women
come to see that other women face the same problems.
Key concepts Firestone – the origins of patriarchy lie in women’s biological capacity to bear and care for infants. This means
women become dependent on men. Brownmiller – fer of rape is a powerful deterrent against women going
out alone at night. Rich – men continue to force women into a narrow and unsatisfying compulsory
heterosexuality. Greer- there should be the creation of ‘matrilocal’ households as an alternative to the
heterosexual family.
Liberal/reform Reformists Liberal feminists are referred to as reformists. They believe that gender equality can be achieved through
feminists parliamentary laws that reform existing practises in society. This means that laws and policies against sex
discrimination in employment and education can secure equal opportunities for women. E.g. Sex
Discrimination Act 1975 and Equal Pay Act 1970
Sex and gender Sex- biological differences between males and females that reproductive/hormonal. Gender- culturally
constructed differences between ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ roles. It’s important to separate out sex from
gender as women’s biology often influences cultural expectations about women’s role.
Link to They challenge Parsons’ instrumental and expressive roles ascribe to men and women. Liberal feminists argue
functionalism that men and women equally capable of performing both roles. BUT they do arguer that a harmonious
relationship between men and women can develop, once gender stereotypes are challenged via non-sexist
socialisation.
Criticisms 1. Liberal feminists have helped demonstrate that gender differences are not inborn but the result of different
treatment of socialisation patterns.
2. They are criticised for being over-optimistic.
3. They see obstacles to emancipation as simply the prejudices if individuals or irrational laws that can be
reformed away.
4. They ignore how women’s oppression is down to patriarchy or capitalism.
5. Sylvia Walby argues that they offer no explanation for the overall structure of gender inequality.
6. Conflict feminists (Marxist and radical feminists) argue that they fail to recognise the underlying causes of
women’s subordination and that they are naïve.
7. Other feminists argue that far-reaching, revolutionary changes are needed.
Radical feminism Patriarchy Most important social division in society. Refers to male domination within the family, and this is carried over
into all areas of public life. Shows how in all societies, in all cultures throughout time, women have been
dominated by men.
The personal is It’s because men dominate women through personal relationships (or in the family), this private conflictual
political relationship should be viewed or challenged in the way Marxists view ‘workers v capitalists’. The goal of
radical feminism, therefore, is the abolition of patriarchal family via separatism or political lesbianism.
Consciousness-raising – through sharing their experiences in women only conscious-raising groups, women
come to see that other women face the same problems.
Key concepts Firestone – the origins of patriarchy lie in women’s biological capacity to bear and care for infants. This means
women become dependent on men. Brownmiller – fer of rape is a powerful deterrent against women going
out alone at night. Rich – men continue to force women into a narrow and unsatisfying compulsory
heterosexuality. Greer- there should be the creation of ‘matrilocal’ households as an alternative to the
heterosexual family.
