feminism essay
Asses the influence of feminist perspectives to our understanding of society and sociological research methods (33 marks)
Feminism is a structural perspective; it uses the macro approach to try and particular areas of the world from a woman’s point of view. It also aims to understand the structure and organisation of society which appears to keep women as a disadvantaged, subordinated and dominated group overall in most aspects of life.
Feminism is a second main conflict theory, which is similar to Marxism in its views (exploitation/domination), but unlike Marxism which is the exploitation of the, proletariat by the Bourgeoisie, Feminism focuses on the dominance of women by men. Walby helps us in our understanding of society today, with particular reference to the current structure of nuclear families in society. The traditional role of a woman in a family is to carry out expressive roles (housewife and mother) whereas the role of the man is to carry out instrumental roles (breadwinner). Walby argues that legislation plays a major part in reinforcing traditional gender roles. states that although legislation such as the Sex Discrimination Act (1975 )has been implemented to try and reduce patriarchy, there are still many state policies that suggest that women and men have different roles. For example, statutory maternity pay for women far outweighs the 10 days of statutory paternity pay given to men. This therefore suggests, according to Walby, that it is the role of the woman to be the main carer for the child, which reinforces the gender stereotypes. However, this view can be criticised by liberal feminists. They argue that in today 's society, there is a 'rise of the new man ' who is in touch with his feminine side, and will often bring up children and carry out household chores while the woman goes out to work.
Firestone a radical feminist, also provides a convincing analysis which helps in our understanding of the position of women in society today. She
Feminism is a structural perspective; it uses the macro approach to try and particular areas of the world from a woman’s point of view. It also aims to understand the structure and organisation of society which appears to keep women as a disadvantaged, subordinated and dominated group overall in most aspects of life.
Feminism is a second main conflict theory, which is similar to Marxism in its views (exploitation/domination), but unlike Marxism which is the exploitation of the, proletariat by the Bourgeoisie, Feminism focuses on the dominance of women by men. Walby helps us in our understanding of society today, with particular reference to the current structure of nuclear families in society. The traditional role of a woman in a family is to carry out expressive roles (housewife and mother) whereas the role of the man is to carry out instrumental roles (breadwinner). Walby argues that legislation plays a major part in reinforcing traditional gender roles. states that although legislation such as the Sex Discrimination Act (1975 )has been implemented to try and reduce patriarchy, there are still many state policies that suggest that women and men have different roles. For example, statutory maternity pay for women far outweighs the 10 days of statutory paternity pay given to men. This therefore suggests, according to Walby, that it is the role of the woman to be the main carer for the child, which reinforces the gender stereotypes. However, this view can be criticised by liberal feminists. They argue that in today 's society, there is a 'rise of the new man ' who is in touch with his feminine side, and will often bring up children and carry out household chores while the woman goes out to work.
Firestone a radical feminist, also provides a convincing analysis which helps in our understanding of the position of women in society today. She