Feminist Perspectives on Family
Feminist perspectives on family in sociology offer diverse critiques of gender inequalities within family structures and society at large.
Liberal Feminist View
Liberal feminists acknowledge progress in gender equality but argue that full equality has not yet been achieved:
- They support the "March of Progress" view proposed by Young and Wilmott.
- Believe that oppression is being gradually overcome through legal reforms and changing attitudes.
- Advocate for further reforms and changes in socialization patterns to achieve full equality.
Example: The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 is cited as an example of progress towards gender equality.
Radical Feminist Perspective
Radical feminists argue that society is fundamentally based on patriarchy:
- They view men as the source of women's exploitation and oppression.
- Argue that marriage, family, and patriarchal society are key institutions through which men dominate women.
- Highlight issues of domestic and sexual violence as means of control.
Highlight: Radical feminists often advocate for separatism or fundamental restructuring of society to overcome patriarchal oppression.
Criticisms of Different Feminist Views
- Other feminists criticize liberal feminists for not challenging the underlying causes of women's oppression.
- Some argue that liberal feminism's focus on legal and attitudinal changes is insufficient to bring about true equality.
- Marxist and radical feminists believe that more fundamental changes to social structures are necessary.
Vocabulary: Patriarchy refers to a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.
This comprehensive overview of functionalist, Marxist, and feminist views on family provides a solid foundation for A-level sociology students studying families and households. It highlights the complexities and debates surrounding family structures and their role in society, encouraging critical thinking and comparison between different sociological perspectives.