The Essential Guide to Liberal Feminism
* These notes are specifically written for the AQA Sociology A-Level exam, but of course can be relevant to all sorts of other examinations and subjects. These are purposely written to be highly concise, thus if you have any questions - don't be afraid to leave a comment and I'll try and help you out.
The 2 Key Principles to Liberal Feminism
- Draws attention to the individual factors that contribute to gender inequality.
- Aims to establish and protect equal opportunities for women through legislation and enshrining equality in law.
What does Anne Oakley argue?
She draws a distinction between SEX (a biological characteristic) and GENDER (a social construct).
Modern society is based around extreme GENDER differences.
3 Key Liberal Feminist Successes
- 1970 Equal Pay Act
- 1975 Sex Discrimination Act
- Equal Opportunities Commission
==> These have resulted in men's attitudes slowly changing. As seen by more women working, and more men taking on domestic tasks and chores.
3 Examples of Society moving towards Equality
- Changes in socialisation + culture start to reduce gender divisions in the family. RISE OF THE NEW MAN.
- More parents are careful to avoid socialising their children into rigid gender roles.
- BUT Further legal measures may be required to reach full equality.
What do Liberal Feminists think of Willmott + Young?
Willmott + Young believe that families are becoming more symmetrical (i.e. roles becoming more equal), and they will continue to become fairer until we reach equality.
Liberal Feminists share the view that families are slowly improving for the better; BUT they reject that we have reached symmetry.
4 Criticisms of Liberal Feminism
- Over-optimistic. Women still do majority of housework.
- Does not acknowledge the systematic oppression of women. Domestic Violence is still common.
- Radical Feminists: Law changes are purely cosmetic. Serious underlying inequalities remain.
- Encourages women to accept an unequal society.
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