Feminism

Feminism is a broad structural and conflict perspective that focuses on gender inequality as a central feature of society. Feminist sociologists argue that sociology has historically been "malestream" — dominated by male perspectives, concerns, and assumptions — and that a specifically feminist analysis is needed to understand the experiences and disadvantages of women. For AQA A-Level Sociology, you must understand the different strands of feminist thought and their distinctive contributions to sociological theory.

Key Definition: Feminism is a sociological and political perspective that analyses society in terms of gender inequality. It seeks to understand the sources, nature, and consequences of women's subordination and to advocate for gender equality.

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Liberal Feminism

Liberal feminism focuses on achieving equal rights and opportunities for women within the existing social and political system. Liberal feminists do not seek to overthrow capitalism or radically restructure society; instead, they argue that gender inequality can be eliminated through legal reform, education, and changes in attitudes.

Key Arguments