Topic Summaries

Gender inequality

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Stratification and differentiation > Gender inequality
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Exam overview
  • Liberal feminists: (👤 Oakley, 1972) gender roles are socially constructed. Equality can be achieved through legal reform and education.
    • Ignores deeper structural patriarchy.
  • Marxist feminists: (👤 Benston, 1969) women’s unpaid domestic work supports capitalism by reproducing the labour force cheaply.
    • Over-emphasises economic causes of inequality.
  • Radical feminists: (👤 Firestone, 1970) patriarchy is rooted in biological reproduction, requiring technological and social change to dismantle male dominance.
    • Overlooks class and ethnic differences between women.
  • Six Structures of Patriarchy: (👤 Walby, 1989) household, paid work, the state, male violence, sexuality, culture. Patriarchy operates in both private and public spheres.
    • Allows for interaction between structures, but hard to measure their relative importance.
  • Preference theory: (👤 Hakim, 2000) women’s lifestyle choices explain inequality. Many prioritise family over careers.
    • Ignores structural constraints on choice

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