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Sex and Gender: The Foundation of Feminist Thinking
Ever wondered why girls are expected to play with dolls whilst boys get action figures? Feminists argue this isn't natural - it's social construction at work.
Sex refers to the biological differences you're born with - your anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones. Gender, however, describes the roles society expects from men and women. Most feminists believe these gender roles are learned, not natural.
Simone de Beauvoir famously argued that biological differences have been weaponised by male-dominated societies to justify keeping women in subordinate positions. Meanwhile, equality feminists believe human nature is naturally androgynous - meaning we're all capable of the same things regardless of our sex.
Key Insight: The phrase "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" captures how society shapes our understanding of what it means to be female.
Patriarchy and Different Feminist Perspectives
Patriarchy isn't just about individual sexist men - it's a whole system that supports male dominance across society. Think of it as an invisible framework that influences everything from politics to family life.
Kate Millett popularised this concept, arguing that patriarchy operates in both public spaces (like workplaces) and private ones (like homes). Most equality feminists believe biological differences don't matter and that all gender traits are socially constructed.
However, difference feminists like Carol Gilligan argue that women are naturally more nurturing and caring than men. This creates tension within feminism about whether men and women are fundamentally the same or different.
Intersectionality, introduced by bell hooks, highlights how patriarchy affects different women differently. A working-class Black woman faces different challenges than a wealthy white woman - both experience sexism, but in unique ways.
Reality Check: Understanding intersectionality helps explain why feminism isn't a one-size-fits-all movement.
Liberal and Socialist Feminism: Reform vs Revolution
Liberal feminism believes you can fix gender inequality through existing democratic systems. These feminists focus on equality of opportunity - getting women the vote, changing discriminatory laws, and challenging workplace discrimination.
Liberal feminists like Betty Friedan emphasised that women should be free to choose their own paths, whether that's pursuing careers, focusing on family, or combining both. They're essentially reformists who work within the current system.
Socialist feminism takes a different approach, arguing that capitalism itself creates patriarchy. Charlotte Perkins Gilman believed that capitalism's exploitative nature reinforced male dominance, and that economic change was essential for true gender equality.
The key difference? Liberal feminists want to reform society gradually, whilst socialist feminists argue the entire economic system needs changing to achieve real equality.
Think About It: Consider how economic independence might affect women's choices in relationships and careers.
Radical and Post-Modern Feminism: Challenging Everything
Radical feminism goes further than liberal approaches by arguing that both public and private spheres need complete transformation. Kate Millett famously analysed how the nuclear family socialises children into accepting patriarchy as normal.
Radical feminists believe the private sphere - homes and relationships - is just as political as the public sphere of work and politics. They argue that romantic love, marriage, and traditional families all reinforce male dominance.
Post-feminism emerged in the late 1980s, claiming that feminism's main goals had been achieved and women should "move on." However, this perspective has been heavily criticised for representing mainly white, middle-class experiences.
Post-modern feminism rejects simple explanations, recognising that women's experiences vary dramatically based on race, class, sexuality, and other factors. This approach acknowledges multiple, intersecting forms of oppression rather than focusing solely on gender inequality.
Critical Point: The "personal is political" slogan captures how radical feminists see power dynamics in every relationship.
Key Feminist Thinkers You Need to Know
Understanding individual thinkers helps you grasp how feminist ideas developed over time. Charlotte Perkins Gilman argued that women's economic dependence on men trapped them in subordinate roles - they literally had to use their sexuality to survive.
Simone de Beauvoir introduced the concept of "otherness" - the idea that men are seen as the default human whilst women are viewed as deviations from this norm. Her famous quote "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" shows how gender is learned.
Kate Millett focused on how art, literature, and culture reinforce patriarchal values, whilst Sheila Rowbotham examined how capitalism forces women to sell their labour whilst also expecting them to provide unpaid domestic work.
bell hooks brought intersectionality into mainstream feminism, highlighting how the movement had largely ignored women of colour and working-class women. Her work shows why feminism must address multiple forms of oppression simultaneously.
Study Tip: Each thinker represents a different branch of feminism - understanding their key ideas helps you analyse feminist arguments in your essays.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Key Feminism Notes for Edexcel Politics
Feminism is a movement focused on achieving equality between men and women, but it's far more complex than you might think. Different feminist thinkers have varying ideas about what causes inequality and how to fix it, leading to several distinct... Show more
Sex and Gender: The Foundation of Feminist Thinking
Ever wondered why girls are expected to play with dolls whilst boys get action figures? Feminists argue this isn't natural - it's social construction at work.
Sex refers to the biological differences you're born with - your anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones. Gender, however, describes the roles society expects from men and women. Most feminists believe these gender roles are learned, not natural.
Simone de Beauvoir famously argued that biological differences have been weaponised by male-dominated societies to justify keeping women in subordinate positions. Meanwhile, equality feminists believe human nature is naturally androgynous - meaning we're all capable of the same things regardless of our sex.
Key Insight: The phrase "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" captures how society shapes our understanding of what it means to be female.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Patriarchy and Different Feminist Perspectives
Patriarchy isn't just about individual sexist men - it's a whole system that supports male dominance across society. Think of it as an invisible framework that influences everything from politics to family life.
Kate Millett popularised this concept, arguing that patriarchy operates in both public spaces (like workplaces) and private ones (like homes). Most equality feminists believe biological differences don't matter and that all gender traits are socially constructed.
However, difference feminists like Carol Gilligan argue that women are naturally more nurturing and caring than men. This creates tension within feminism about whether men and women are fundamentally the same or different.
Intersectionality, introduced by bell hooks, highlights how patriarchy affects different women differently. A working-class Black woman faces different challenges than a wealthy white woman - both experience sexism, but in unique ways.
Reality Check: Understanding intersectionality helps explain why feminism isn't a one-size-fits-all movement.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Liberal and Socialist Feminism: Reform vs Revolution
Liberal feminism believes you can fix gender inequality through existing democratic systems. These feminists focus on equality of opportunity - getting women the vote, changing discriminatory laws, and challenging workplace discrimination.
Liberal feminists like Betty Friedan emphasised that women should be free to choose their own paths, whether that's pursuing careers, focusing on family, or combining both. They're essentially reformists who work within the current system.
Socialist feminism takes a different approach, arguing that capitalism itself creates patriarchy. Charlotte Perkins Gilman believed that capitalism's exploitative nature reinforced male dominance, and that economic change was essential for true gender equality.
The key difference? Liberal feminists want to reform society gradually, whilst socialist feminists argue the entire economic system needs changing to achieve real equality.
Think About It: Consider how economic independence might affect women's choices in relationships and careers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Radical and Post-Modern Feminism: Challenging Everything
Radical feminism goes further than liberal approaches by arguing that both public and private spheres need complete transformation. Kate Millett famously analysed how the nuclear family socialises children into accepting patriarchy as normal.
Radical feminists believe the private sphere - homes and relationships - is just as political as the public sphere of work and politics. They argue that romantic love, marriage, and traditional families all reinforce male dominance.
Post-feminism emerged in the late 1980s, claiming that feminism's main goals had been achieved and women should "move on." However, this perspective has been heavily criticised for representing mainly white, middle-class experiences.
Post-modern feminism rejects simple explanations, recognising that women's experiences vary dramatically based on race, class, sexuality, and other factors. This approach acknowledges multiple, intersecting forms of oppression rather than focusing solely on gender inequality.
Critical Point: The "personal is political" slogan captures how radical feminists see power dynamics in every relationship.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Feminist Thinkers You Need to Know
Understanding individual thinkers helps you grasp how feminist ideas developed over time. Charlotte Perkins Gilman argued that women's economic dependence on men trapped them in subordinate roles - they literally had to use their sexuality to survive.
Simone de Beauvoir introduced the concept of "otherness" - the idea that men are seen as the default human whilst women are viewed as deviations from this norm. Her famous quote "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" shows how gender is learned.
Kate Millett focused on how art, literature, and culture reinforce patriarchal values, whilst Sheila Rowbotham examined how capitalism forces women to sell their labour whilst also expecting them to provide unpaid domestic work.
bell hooks brought intersectionality into mainstream feminism, highlighting how the movement had largely ignored women of colour and working-class women. Her work shows why feminism must address multiple forms of oppression simultaneously.
Study Tip: Each thinker represents a different branch of feminism - understanding their key ideas helps you analyse feminist arguments in your essays.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user