Theories of the nuclear family (Feminists and new right)

Feminists
New right

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What did Marxist feminists believe?
They believed that society needs to change from capitalism to communism in order for true equality / Women serve the needs of capitalism by providing a number of free services e.g. Child bearing.
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What was BENSTON'S theory of Marxist feminists?
He claimed that husbands couldn't strike as they had families they had to support.
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What was ZARETSKY'S theory of Marxist feminists?
Women provide safety valves for male frustration created by working in a capitalist society
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What are the weaknesses of the Marxist feminist theory?
It doesn't account for the changes in women's roles since the 1970's
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What do liberal feminists believe?
They believe that to gain equality with men, legislations must be changed.
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What is an example of a legislation which favours women?
The EQUAL PAY AND SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT which encouraged women to work.
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What was SOMERVILLE'S theory towards liberal feminists?
Although some men don't live up to their responsibilities, most women don't like being without a partner.
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What are the weaknesses of the liberal feminists?
These legislation so haven't produced genuine gender equality,
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What do the radical feminists believe?
They believe that society is PATRIARCHAL therefore women need to remove their biological dependency on men.
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What was GERMAINE GREER'S theory of radical feminists?
That women should be segregated from men instead of having equality
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What was PURDY'S theory of radical feminists?
That women should go on a baby strike
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What are the weaknesses of this theory?
It ignores the positives of family life.
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Overall advantages of feminists
Highlights inequality in roles and relationships between men and women / identifies the causes of inequality
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Overall disadvantages of feminists
Ignores the fact that women may chose their role within the family / remains focused on the inequality instead of the changes in the roles of men and women.
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What did the new right believe?
That the nuclear family was ideal as it is the most stable family unit to bring children up to share norms and values. (FAMILIAL IDEOLOGY) / that the family is failing to provide children with socialisation into the traditional values of society
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Why do the new right think that the N.F is under threat?
Due to the rise in: lone-parent families, fatherless families, divorce rates, cohabitation and gay and lesbian couples.
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Why is there a rise of these factors?
A breakdown of traditional family values e.g divorce was once frowned upon / over-generous welfare state benefitting single mothers allowing fathers to opt out of their responsibilities "married to the state" / influence of feminism
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What was MURRAY'S theory of the new right?
He believed that young men who came from fatherless families are likely to commit crime as they lack a male role model
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What was DENNIS & ERDOS' theory of the new right?
Children born outside of marriages and raised by single mothers are more likely to have poorer healthy and a worser education.
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What are the weaknesses of the new right theory?
Blames the victim - many of the problems are due to factors beyond someone's control / valued judgements- doesn't see the worth of family diversity / an idealised view of the past - N.F always seen as superior.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

He claimed that husbands couldn't strike as they had families they had to support.

Back

What was BENSTON'S theory of Marxist feminists?

Card 3

Front

Women provide safety valves for male frustration created by working in a capitalist society

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

It doesn't account for the changes in women's roles since the 1970's

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

They believe that to gain equality with men, legislations must be changed.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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