Radical Feminism

Theoretical Perspectives: Radical Feminism

Key ideas: 

• Patriarchy / Patriarchal Ideology: All societies; Pre-dates Capitalism
• Patriarchal relationships paved the way for Capitalist forms of economic and gender exploitation
  
• Gender inequality and (male) exploitation.Examples:
  
• Female biology - Men exploit incapacity through pregnancy
  
• Marriage (Institutionalised oppression - Bouchier).
  
• Heterosexual relationships.
  
• Institutionalised sexual inequality (equality by legal means = impossible
  
• Sex class (common interest = freedom from male oppression)
  
• Men are enemy of women (advocate lesbian relationships / female support groups)
  
• Public sphere (work) and Private sphere (the home) = dual form of female exploitation not experienced by men
• Technology (e.g. freedom from childbirth) = way emancipation can be achieved

Key Names: Firestone, Millet, Bouchier, Delphy

Key Criticisms: 

• Are women a "sex class"? (experiences and life chances of upper class / females significantly different to those of working class females)
• Downplays importance of concepts like class, age and ethnicity
  
• Unproven assumptions about male and female psychological differences
  
• Over-state the significance of psychological / biological differences
  
• Not all gender relationships characterised by oppression / exploitation
  
• General position of women in society has improved / changed over time
  
• Is matriarchal society superior and preferable to a patriarchal society?

Key Critics: New Right (politicians, journalists), Marxist / Socialist Feminists (Barratt, Oakley, etc.), Liberal Feminists.