Sociology Lecture: Feminism - Theory and Methods

Introduction

• Focus on Feminism in sociology
• Examined in crime, education, family, beliefs
• Feminism as a conflict theory
  • Suggests gender-based division of power
  • Patriarchal oppression in society
• Critique of male-stream sociology

Evolution of Feminism

First Wave Feminism

• Political equality and women's rights
• Key figures: Mary Wollstonecraft, Harriet Martineau
• Suffragettes and suffragists
• Achieved women's suffrage in 1928

Second Wave Feminism

• Post-WWII focus on social and economic equality
• Equal rights and pay, female emancipation
• Key figures: Ann Oakley, Simone de Beauvoir
• Associated with Women's Liberation Movement
• Critiqued for ignoring diversity among women

Third Wave Feminism

• Addressed global women's experiences
• Focused on reproductive rights, issues in developing world
• Goal: broadening feminism to include diverse perspectives

Fourth Wave Feminism

• Use of digital technologies for empowerment
• Notable movement: #MeToo campaign

Branches of Feminism

Liberal Feminism

• Utilizes existing systems for change
• Achievements include Equal Pay Act, Equality Act
• Focus on education and breaking gender barriers
• Criticized for believing inequality remains

Marxist Feminism

• Dual exploitation by males and capitalism
• Key concepts: domestic division of labor, reserve army of labor
• Critiques: women's roles in employment

Radical Feminism

• Patriarchy ingrained in society
• Suggests restructuring society
• Extreme branches: female supremacy, separatism
• Critics say it overlooks progress and intersectionality

Feminism and Methodology

• Rejection of "male-stream" sociology
• Use of empathetic, unstructured interviews
• Feminist methodology seeks practical change
• Criticisms: subjectivity and potential bias

Impact and Critiques of Feminism

• Global inequality remains
• Western focus critiqued
• Fragmentation within feminism (e.g., trans issues)
• Contributions to sociology: gender differences, media stereotyping
• Evolving with contemporary challenges

Conclusion

• Feminism's significant role in sociology
• Continues to evolve with societal changes
• Challenges remain, indicating ongoing relevance