Feminism and the family

Feminism is a macro theory which means it looks at society asd a whole and how it shapes the individual. It is also a conflict theory and looks at the exploitation of women by men via the institutions of society.

Feminism is split into three categories: Radical feminism, Liberal feminism and Marxist femnism. All agree that women are disadvantaged in the family but to varying degrees and for different reasons.

 Liberal feminism

Liberal feminists believe equality can be acheived through legislation and gradual change of attitudes (Principled pragmatism). These changes to attitudes can come through education, the media, the family and womens groups.

Somerville (2000) argues realistic policies can help the position of women, she wants modest reform not revolutionary change. An example of a type of policy Somerville would support would be regarding working parents, as the hours and work culture generally not helpful for family life, and childcare for working mothers.

Criticisms: Principled pragmatism has not worked in the past, so is unlikeley to work in the future.      

Somerville also argues men still do not pull their weight and take an equal share of household responsibilities. (As functionalists Wilmott & Young claimed in 1973 with their notion of the symmetrical      family)                                                                   

Although things are still unequal, Somerville argues some feminists ignore the progress made by women in…