Question 1: Define feminism in the context of sociology. Explain why it is considered a 'theoretical perspective'.

Answer: Feminism in sociology is a perspective that examines gender inequalities and advocates for women's rights and equality. It is considered a 'theoretical perspective' because it offers an explanation for social structures and gender roles that perpetuate inequality.

Question 2: Name and briefly describe two different types of feminism.

Answer: Liberal feminism: focuses on achieving gender equality through legal and political reforms. Radical feminism: believes that patriarchy is deeply rooted in society and requires a fundamental transformation to eliminate gender inequalities.

Question 3: Explain the concept of 'patriarchy' and how it relates to feminist theories.

Answer: Patriarchy is a social system where men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership, authority, and moral authority. Feminist theories critique patriarchy as the root cause of gender inequality and seek to challenge and dismantle this system.

Question 4: Describe one way in which socialist feminism differs from liberal feminism.

Answer: Socialist feminism links gender inequality to economic class and capitalism, arguing that capitalism perpetuates patriarchy, whereas liberal feminism primarily focuses on legal and political equality within the existing social system.

Question 5: Identify a key idea of radical feminism and discuss its importance within feminist theory.

Answer: A key idea of radical feminism is that gender inequality is rooted in patriarchy and requires radical change to social and familial structures. Its importance lies in highlighting the deep-seated nature of gender oppression and advocating for fundamental societal transformation.

Question 6: Discuss how the concept of gender socialization supports feminist ideas about gender inequality.

Answer: Gender socialization refers to the ways in which society teaches individuals their gender roles from a young age. Feminists argue that this process reinforces stereotypes and inequalities, limiting opportunities for women and perpetuating patriarchy.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the difference between liberal feminism and radical feminism in addressing gender inequality. Label the key features of each approach.

Answer: The diagram should show two circles or boxes side by side: one labeled 'Liberal Feminism' with notes indicating 'Focus on legal reforms, equality within existing structures'; the other labeled 'Radical Feminism' with notes indicating 'Challenge patriarchy, fundamental societal change'.

Question 8: Sketch a visual representation of how feminist theories view the relationship between gender and power. Include key elements in your drawing.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a scale or a power dynamic where gender is linked to positions of power and oppression, perhaps showing men holding positions of authority and women positioned as subordinate, with arrows indicating the flow of power.

Question 9: Explain how feminist theories have influenced changes in laws or social policies in the UK.

Answer: Feminist theories have contributed to laws such as equal pay legislation, anti-discrimination laws, and policies promoting gender equality in education and employment, aiming to reduce gender-based inequalities and promote fairness.

Question 10: Identify one criticism of feminist theories from a sociological perspective that takes other social factors into account.

Answer: One criticism is that feminist theories may overlook other social inequalities such as race, class, or ethnicity, and focus primarily on gender, which can lead to an incomplete understanding of social inequality.