Feminist theory in sociology shifts the emphasis from men to women and from social structure to the lived experiences of individuals. Feminist philosophy provides insight into issues frequently overlooked within the prism of modern society. It advocates for equality and justice by analyzing society and revealing the social mechanisms that perpetuate discrimination and injustice. Focusing on historically disadvantaged female interactions and societal experiences, this school of thought aims to include the global population in discussions of social forces, relations, and challenges (Duran, 2018). This approach has established a novel and inclusive social theory that focuses on women’s experiences in place of the traditional assumption that social actors are always males. It is progressive and inclusive because it considers the connections between oppression and injustice.
Feminist studies showed that gender inequality is fundamental to the institution of the family. Several of these academics were hesitant to talk about “the family” since they recognize that the perspectives of men and women may vary greatly. Feminists demonstrated that if the home arena is the starting point for developing gendered differences, then it is where those gender roles are formed unequally, with males in the dominating position (Cohen, 2015). The family is simply one location of gender inequality, but its dynamics are crucial for understanding how gender plays out in other institutional arenas.
The feminist philosophy offers an analytical framework for thinking about the conditions in which women find themselves. Cultural feminists say that men and women have different worldviews because of gender norms connected with femininity and masculinity (Duran, 2018). Some theorists believe that the sex gap may be better explained by the historical and cultural division of labor between the sexes than by any inherent biological distinctions. Those who adhere to existential and phenomenological perspectives assert that women are undervalued and labeled as “other” in patriarchal societies. Theorists contend that there is a dynamic interplay between how girls and boys are socialized into notions of masculinity and femininity.
Some feminists believe that women are treated unfairly because their social experiences and roles are inherently different from those of men. Women are as capable as males of moral thinking and agency, according to liberal feminists. Nevertheless, patriarchy, particularly the gendered division of labor, has always prevented women from putting this logic into effect (Honig, 2021). Women are discouraged from running for office because of these factors. Liberal feminists argue for the difficulty of women within the spectrum of marriage as they are covering the most essential roles in the family setting while men abstain from sharing such responsibility (McCann et al., 2021). Additionally, some investigations argue that married women endure greater stress levels than unmarried women and married males (McCann et al., 2021). In order to achieve marriage equality for women, conventional gender norms must be modified in both the public and private spheres.
Those who adhere to the notion of gender oppression tend to believe that women are not just treated unfairly by men but are actively oppressed by them. The topic of gender and diversity is irrelevant here. Whether one subscribes to psychoanalytic feminism or radical feminism, the concept of power as a central component in ender oppression is central to both (Duran, 2018). Honig (2021), in his research, suggests that psychoanalytic feminists reformulate Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychology to explain the differences in authority between men and women. They contend that the origins and maintenance of patriarchy are mysteries that cannot be reduced to logic and reason. A fundamental tenet of radical feminism is that a patriarchal society’s intrinsic bias against women obscures the inherent goodness of being a woman. People of the female sex may defeat patriarchy if they recognize their inherent value and power. Collaboration in the form of sisterhoods of trust critically questions oppression and organizes in ways that prioritize women’s independence.
Patriarchy, capitalism, and racism are said to be to blame for the subjugation and unequal treatment of women, according to structural oppression theories. The working class is exploited under capitalism, and socialist feminists agree with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels on this point. However, they want to broaden the scope of their exploitation to demonstrate the interconnectedness of class and gender (McCann et al., 2021). Intersectionality theories suggest that oppression and inequality may be segmented along socioeconomic status, gender, race, ethnicity, location, and age (McCann et al., 2021). Women of color and other oppressed groups are also targets of similar discrimination. Women are subjected to systematic oppression in which they are paid less than men for doing the same work. Intersectional analysis shows that women of color and men of color face significant economic disadvantages compared to white men.
Many contemporary societal conventions, feminism argues, are harmful to women because they are skewed toward men. So, they aim to alter adverse generalizations about females. Feminism encompasses any efforts to eradicate gender inequality and male dominance in society. In popular culture, women are often relegated to subordinate and non-social positions like housekeepers, shoppers, and care providers. This is where women generally face discrimination and lower pay compared to other traditionally male-dominated industries. Once a woman joins the workforce, she may discover that her contributions are not recognized or compensated. It is unfair that women have to do more of the heavy lifting alone to reach the top of their field or in politics. Redistributing power is crucial today, and no one will argue otherwise. Men’s perspectives mostly shape beliefs on the value of full-time work, and it is widely held that males are more competent than women in particular occupations and public life.
The gender gap is not limited to male-dominated mining and urban labor; it also exists in the female-dominated fields of garment manufacturing and primary education. It is vital to highlight that gender roles and relationships are not hardwired but rather the product of historical and ongoing social construction. As a result of these shifts, girls’ aspirations may have broadened. Since completing college and being successful in a career are now seen as more attainable objectives, young women may be more motivated to study. For instance, discriminating against employees because of their gender is illegal according to the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975.
In conclusion, feminist theories demonstrated various points of differentiation of gender roles in sociology. This could be seen in the gendered nature of home environments, working institutions, social roles, and perception of reality. The theory allows one to comprehend and expand upon existing schools of thought, such as Marx’s theory of power distribution which could be further developed via gender perspective. As a result, numerous approaches should be followed in the legislative and educational settings that may contribute to the equality of society on all levels.
References
Cohen, P. N. (2015) The family: Diversity, inequality and social change. Norton & Co.
Duran, J. (2018). Philosophies of science/feminist theories. Routledge. Web.
Honig, B. (2021). A feminist theory of refusal. Harvard University Press. Web.
McCann, C. R., Kim, S.-K., & Ergun, E. (2021). Feminist theory reader: Local and global perspectives. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.