Feminist Theories
Liberal or reformist feminism:
- Liberal feminists are sometimes called reformist feminists. It is an optimistic theory.
Liberals are concerned with human and civil rights. They argue that men and women are all human
beings and thus should have equal rights and freedoms.
Reformism is the idea that progress towards equal rights in society can be achieved through
gradual reforms, piecemeal changes without having to have a revolution.
● Laws and policies - liberal feminists believe girls can achieve gender equality this way. For
example they are laws and policies against sexual discrimination e.g Sex and Discrimination Act
1975 in employment and in education and secure equal opportunities for women.
● Cultural change - liberal feminists argue we need cultural changes - moving away from
traditional stereotypes and prejudices about gender differences. They reject the idea that
biological differences make women less competent or rational than men.
Sex and Gender:
Like Ann Oakley liberal feminists distinguish a difference between sex and gender:
- Sex - biological differences between men and females - reproductive roles
- Gender - what one identifies as regardless of their sex. Ideas are transmitted through
socialisation
Gender differences are culturally constructed, what may be acceptable from a gender depends on
the specific society. Thus what is considered the proper role for a woman in society may be
approved in one society and forbidden in another. E.g in Britain you see female bus drivers
whereas in Saudi Arabia women are forbidden to drive any vehicle.
Liberal feminist argue that sexist attitudes and stereotypical beliefs of gender are transmitted
through socialisation. Thus to change this and reduce inequality we need to change society's
patterns of socialisation.
Thus LF argues to promote appropriate role models in education and in family - in schools you may
have female teachers in traditional male subjects or fathers taking part in domestic tasks.
Liberal feminist believe that:
- Changes in socialisation and culture: are leading to more rational attitudes towards gender
overcoming prejudice
- Political action to produce anti discriminatory laws and policies: make society gradually fairer
and free from discrimination
LF critique of Parsons:
Liberal feminism challenges Parsons' instrumental and expressive role that distinguishes between
men and women and their roles. lF argue that this division is not right - women are equally as
capable as men performing roles outside the house and likewise with men inside the house.
They argue we need to move away from these traditional roles
Liberal or reformist feminism:
- Liberal feminists are sometimes called reformist feminists. It is an optimistic theory.
Liberals are concerned with human and civil rights. They argue that men and women are all human
beings and thus should have equal rights and freedoms.
Reformism is the idea that progress towards equal rights in society can be achieved through
gradual reforms, piecemeal changes without having to have a revolution.
● Laws and policies - liberal feminists believe girls can achieve gender equality this way. For
example they are laws and policies against sexual discrimination e.g Sex and Discrimination Act
1975 in employment and in education and secure equal opportunities for women.
● Cultural change - liberal feminists argue we need cultural changes - moving away from
traditional stereotypes and prejudices about gender differences. They reject the idea that
biological differences make women less competent or rational than men.
Sex and Gender:
Like Ann Oakley liberal feminists distinguish a difference between sex and gender:
- Sex - biological differences between men and females - reproductive roles
- Gender - what one identifies as regardless of their sex. Ideas are transmitted through
socialisation
Gender differences are culturally constructed, what may be acceptable from a gender depends on
the specific society. Thus what is considered the proper role for a woman in society may be
approved in one society and forbidden in another. E.g in Britain you see female bus drivers
whereas in Saudi Arabia women are forbidden to drive any vehicle.
Liberal feminist argue that sexist attitudes and stereotypical beliefs of gender are transmitted
through socialisation. Thus to change this and reduce inequality we need to change society's
patterns of socialisation.
Thus LF argues to promote appropriate role models in education and in family - in schools you may
have female teachers in traditional male subjects or fathers taking part in domestic tasks.
Liberal feminist believe that:
- Changes in socialisation and culture: are leading to more rational attitudes towards gender
overcoming prejudice
- Political action to produce anti discriminatory laws and policies: make society gradually fairer
and free from discrimination
LF critique of Parsons:
Liberal feminism challenges Parsons' instrumental and expressive role that distinguishes between
men and women and their roles. lF argue that this division is not right - women are equally as
capable as men performing roles outside the house and likewise with men inside the house.
They argue we need to move away from these traditional roles
