Feminism theory and methods

Feminism: BASICS --Inequality in every society, women inferior, feminism rectifies -Gender norms are social constructs designed to discriminate against/oppress women. Children socialised this way -Patriarchy=female disadvantage -Political activism to rectify systematic injustice -Work with govs for social policies to better equality Liberal Feminists: Gradual change --In political, economic and social systems -In culture/values/children's books/toys -Changes in existing in structure Liberal Feminists: Nobody benefits --Male and female potential oppressed -Rigid inflexible expectations of either sex -Changes through sex discrimination act Liberal Feminism CRITICISM: Based on males assumptions --Values individualism and competition -Encourages women to be more like men -Denies traditionally female qualities Liberal Feminism CRITICISM: Emphasises public life at expense of private --Private life=seen as no power struggle or politics -Therefor assumed irrelevant Liberal Feminism CRITICISM: Difference feminists --Ethnocentric view -Based on white, MC experience Liberal Feminism CRITICISM: Radical and Marxist feminists --Fails to acknowledge deeper structural inequalities Marxist Feminists: Reproduction of next gen --Domestic labour, childcare and emotion work keep NF going -Only one household wage paid: Breadwinners Marxist Feminists: Tolerance of exploitation --Husband must pay for wife so not easy to withdraw labour power -Less bargaining power=More likely to tolerate low wage than risk striking for more money Marxist Feminists: Ideological conditioning --Teaches future workers to be passive -Required by capitalist class Marxist Feminists: Private property disadvantages women --Lack of ownership deprives women of power Marxist Feminists: WC women and WC men can revolt --Considerable scope to push for revolution -Disappearance of gender equality Marxist Feminism CRITICISM: No link --No link between capitalism and patriarchy -Patriarchy out-dates capitalism, found in tribal communities Marxist Feminism CRITICISM: Radical feminists --Masculine theory