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Sociology

8 Dec 2025

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Feminism OCR Sociology A-Level Summary for P1 & P2

B

Bailie Burnett @bailieburnett

Feminism in sociology examines how gender shapes our identities, experiences, and society as a whole. This perspective argues... Show more

# Feminism
Paper 1 and
Paper 2
Summary
Page

By Bailie Burnett

## Identity
Feminists argue that gender identity is socially
constructed by

Understanding Feminist Perspectives on Identity and Culture

Ever wondered why pink is "for girls" and blue is "for boys"? Feminist theory explains that these ideas aren't natural - they're created by society through what's called social construction of gender.

Ann Oakley identified two key ways families shape gender roles manipulation (rewarding "appropriate" behaviour) and canalisation directingchildrentowardsgenderspecificactivitiesdirecting children towards gender-specific activities. This process starts in childhood but continues shaping us throughout our lives.

Interestingly, research by Margaret Mead in Papua New Guinea found completely different gender behaviours compared to Western societies. This proves that what we consider "normal" masculine or feminine behaviour varies dramatically between cultures.

The impact goes beyond just behaviour - sexuality and identity are also complicated by social expectations. As Marxist feminist Weeks noted, people rarely announce "I am heterosexual," but saying "I am gay" becomes a significant identity marker, often requiring a complex "coming out" process.

Key Point If gender roles were truly biological, they'd be the same everywhere - but they're not!

Researching Social Inequalities Through a Feminist Lens

Feminist research reveals how different types of inequality intersect and reinforce each other. For ethnic minority women, there's often a "concrete ceiling" that's even harder to break through than the glass ceiling facing white women.

Age-based inequality particularly affects women through patriarchal pressure to maintain youthful appearances. This creates entire industries around anti-ageing products and cosmetic procedures that primarily target women.

Different feminist approaches explain gender inequality in various ways. Liberal feminists focus on socialisation and legal barriers, Marxist feminists blame capitalist economic systems, whilst radical feminists see patriarchy as the root cause.

Remember These different approaches aren't competing - they often work together to explain complex inequalities.

Socialisation and Youth Culture

From birth, children learn gender roles through gendered socialisation. Girls typically receive dolls, craft sets, and toys that encourage caring and domestic roles, whilst boys get building blocks, cars, and action figures that promote independence and aggression.

Youth culture experiences are heavily influenced by gender identity. Young women often face more restrictions on their participation in youth movements due to societal expectations about "appropriate" female behaviour.

Early research into deviant youth subcultures like Mods and Rockers largely ignored girls. McRobbie and Garber (1975) argued this happened for three reasons girls seemed absent from subcultures, girls were present but invisible to researchers, or male sociologists were simply "gender blind."

The reality was that many youth subcultures were sexist and macho, pushing girls to the margins or confining them to private spaces rather than public street corners and youth clubs where researchers were looking.

Think About It How might social media be changing the way young women participate in youth culture today?

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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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

 

Sociology

145

8 Dec 2025

1 page

Feminism OCR Sociology A-Level Summary for P1 & P2

B

Bailie Burnett

@bailieburnett

Feminism in sociology examines how gender shapes our identities, experiences, and society as a whole. This perspective argues that many of the differences we see between men and women aren't natural but are actually created by society - particularly by... Show more

# Feminism
Paper 1 and
Paper 2
Summary
Page

By Bailie Burnett

## Identity
Feminists argue that gender identity is socially
constructed by

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Understanding Feminist Perspectives on Identity and Culture

Ever wondered why pink is "for girls" and blue is "for boys"? Feminist theory explains that these ideas aren't natural - they're created by society through what's called social construction of gender.

Ann Oakley identified two key ways families shape gender roles: manipulation (rewarding "appropriate" behaviour) and canalisation directingchildrentowardsgenderspecificactivitiesdirecting children towards gender-specific activities. This process starts in childhood but continues shaping us throughout our lives.

Interestingly, research by Margaret Mead in Papua New Guinea found completely different gender behaviours compared to Western societies. This proves that what we consider "normal" masculine or feminine behaviour varies dramatically between cultures.

The impact goes beyond just behaviour - sexuality and identity are also complicated by social expectations. As Marxist feminist Weeks noted, people rarely announce "I am heterosexual," but saying "I am gay" becomes a significant identity marker, often requiring a complex "coming out" process.

Key Point: If gender roles were truly biological, they'd be the same everywhere - but they're not!

Researching Social Inequalities Through a Feminist Lens

Feminist research reveals how different types of inequality intersect and reinforce each other. For ethnic minority women, there's often a "concrete ceiling" that's even harder to break through than the glass ceiling facing white women.

Age-based inequality particularly affects women through patriarchal pressure to maintain youthful appearances. This creates entire industries around anti-ageing products and cosmetic procedures that primarily target women.

Different feminist approaches explain gender inequality in various ways. Liberal feminists focus on socialisation and legal barriers, Marxist feminists blame capitalist economic systems, whilst radical feminists see patriarchy as the root cause.

Remember: These different approaches aren't competing - they often work together to explain complex inequalities.

Socialisation and Youth Culture

From birth, children learn gender roles through gendered socialisation. Girls typically receive dolls, craft sets, and toys that encourage caring and domestic roles, whilst boys get building blocks, cars, and action figures that promote independence and aggression.

Youth culture experiences are heavily influenced by gender identity. Young women often face more restrictions on their participation in youth movements due to societal expectations about "appropriate" female behaviour.

Early research into deviant youth subcultures like Mods and Rockers largely ignored girls. McRobbie and Garber (1975) argued this happened for three reasons: girls seemed absent from subcultures, girls were present but invisible to researchers, or male sociologists were simply "gender blind."

The reality was that many youth subcultures were sexist and macho, pushing girls to the margins or confining them to private spaces rather than public street corners and youth clubs where researchers were looking.

Think About It: How might social media be changing the way young women participate in youth culture today?

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.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Social Reproduction

Most popular content in Sociology

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

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