Feminist Sociology

1
Feminist Sociology

• Whats the main difference between Feminist and
  Marxist Sociology?

2
Gender!

• Marxism sees the class system as the main reason
  for conflict
• Feminism sees the conflict between men and women
  as the main cause for conflict.
• Feminism is seen as an example of conflict theory.

3
There are a few differing views on feminist
sociology but most agree with the following
ideas1) Gender Inequality

• In most society there is a division of labour
  that is based on gender.ie mens/womens jobs
  try and list some traditional jobs like this.
• Men generally earn more money than women until
  the 1970 equal pay act for example, male teachers
  earned more than female teachers.
• This type of society has resulted in a social
  equality that still benefits men.

4
2) Patriarchy

• It is not just the workplace that sees gender
  inequalities.
• Can you think of some other areas of society that
  display such gender inequalities?
• List all the examples you can think of in groups

5
Patriarchy

• Some religions view women as inferior
• Marriage vows state that women have a duty to
  serve their husband
• Some parents in some sectors of society support
  their sons in education at their daughters
  expense.
• Men still dominate certain professions see if
  you can list some of them

6
Hopefully you came up with some of the following

• MPs
• Judges
• Barristers
• Surgeons
• Any others you may have thought of

7
Patriarchy summary

• The term Patriarchy describes a social system in
  which male dominance can be seen in peoples
  everyday lives, whether that be work or family.
• This type of dominance is shown in peoples
  everyday lives and values.
• One description of Patriarchy holds that it is
  the combination of economic cultural systems
  which ensures male supremacy

8
Feminist Research

• Feminist Sociologists tend to try and reveal the
  extent of injustice of male domination
• Their research generally shows that men use their
  current power to maintain rewards and privileges,
  and to help them make decisions on society that
  benefit them.
• Feminist Sociologists generally show that male
  dominance is in no way natural or inevitable, but
  is socially constructed by males in society.

9
Criticism

• Some people argue that Feminists are so
  preoccupied with gender issues that they ignore
  other aspects of society.
• How might Feminists defend themselves against
  this argument?

10
Hopefully you worked out that.

• The Feminist defence is that if they dont look
  at gender issues then no-one will because
  Sociology is male dominated and therefore the men
  will ignore this issue.

11
Question 1e from 2005

• Examine the ways in which feminist Sociologists
  have contributed to our understanding of family
  roles and relationships ( 20 )