The Essential Guide to Difference Feminism

The Essential Guide to Difference 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.

Overview of Difference Feminism

Different groups in society (asians, lesbains, w/c, blacks) have very different experiences of the family and of patriarchy within it. For example, black feminists see the family as a place of support and resistance from a racist society.

REJECT notion of universal sisterhood.

Bell-Hooks:

Feminism is guilty of false universality. The idea that there is a 'unified' form of gender oppression is problematic.

Difference Feminism + Slavery

Patricia Hill-Collins: Slavery has hugely impacted Afro-Carribean families. Men were often seperated.

--> Culture developed of female LPFs (matrifocal households)

"The Anti-Social Feminism"

Michele Barrett + Mary McIntosh --> Family becomes anti-social as they focus less on the outside world and tend to socialise w/ other couples (excluding singles).

==> Makes outside world seem shallow and lacking in meaning. 

This decreases the ability for wider support networks to develop.

Family Diversity .// Lesbianism

Chesire Calhoun --> 

Family life does not equal the exploitation of women.

Whereas Heterosexual family life = exploitation

Therefore lesbian marriage helps to avoid exploitative relationships.

Anxiety amongst heterosexuals about gays/lesbians has been caused by anxiety about the state of the NF.They have tried to attribute their problem to corrupting outsiders.

2 Criticisms of Difference Feminism

1. Walby: Fail to recognise all women share a common oppression despite their differences.
2. Overemphasising women's differences divides and weakens them as a group. 

2 Key Difference Feminist Solution

1. Challenge NF as main form of family + celebrate diversity.
2. Understand role slavery & other forms of social disdvantage play in family life.