Answer to Question #235059 in Sociology for Lee

Question

Outline the Socialist feminist approach on women’s inferiors social position in society. In your own view does this approach clearly highlights women’s oppression and subordination to men? Justify.

In your answer mention the following

a.        Who controls the society

b.        How the society is defined

c.        Who benefits from the inequality

d.        What is to blame for the inequality

e.        Solutions for the exploitation

f.         Criticisms

Answer 1

The feminist theory focuses on society as a patriarchal system of power that organizes society in a way that makes men superior to women leading to oppression and marginalization of women which is contributed not only by gender but also by other social and cultural factors such as race, class, power, ethnicity, religion and the level of education. For instance, the cultural role of women in society including taking care of children, men, and other members of the society, taking care of all domestic chores such as washing, cooking, fetching water, farming, looking after animals among others did not allow them to actively participate in other productive activities like employment and politics. Furthermore, the feminist theory views women's oppression and inequality as a result of capitalism, patriarchy, and racism, this is seen in the argument of Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels that the working-class group is being exploited as a consequence of capitalism. In the case of feminism, women are oppressed and subordinated to men due to their dependence on men for economical support. Therefore patriarchal societies exist to favor men's gender at the expense of women where men's perspectives and contributions in main society activities and decision-making such as politics, education, and employment are considered more important than that of women. Accordingly resulting in the silencing and marginalization of women to ensure that men remain powerful in the community. In the patriarchal society, women oppression and subordination can be defeated if women and girls are educated and empowered to realize their value and strength in the community, established love and trust with their fellow women, and for female rights networks in both private and the public area to ensure their rights are practiced and protected in all aspects.