Contemporary sociological theory feminism

Document Type:Essay

Subject Area:Sociology

Document 1

The feminist theory uses themes such as objectification, discrimination, oppression, stereotyping and patriarchy to analyze gender inequality. Overview Over the last four decades, a significant contribution has been made to social theory by feminist analysis. Feminism ideology has come a long way. Over that period, it has also interacted with various ideas and schools of thought. Regardless of its varied nature and distinct point of views, feminism as an ideology has been successful in the establishment of gender perspectives and gender in a variety of academic disciplines. In doing so, the feminist theory has become a critical response to other theories, thus, safe to assume that they depend on one another (Hooks,1984). For instance, by focusing on the distinction between social and biological, to define the social world as well as how an individuals' experience may affect their understanding of the social world, in regards to the relationship between men and women, feminists theory left sociologists no choice other than to re-examine their social theories.

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Sociology of bodies, sexuality, abuse, sexual violence, comprehension of power, and patriarchy are among the issues presented when discussing sociology (Wallace, 1989). Although they were previously ignored or considered minor in contemporary sociological discussions, today they are vital factors. There has been a new understanding by sociologists of the relationship between society, culture, and nature. Radical feminists called for equality, not only in the political and economic sense but also in their personal and sexual lives(Firestone, 1970). As a result, a crusade against patriarchy was kick-started. New Feminism is a mix of postmodern, black and lesbian feminism. In that regard, they are an indication of the cultural, cultural as well as intra-sexual elements tied to feminism. However, over time, there has been an emerging trend within the feminist tradition referred to as post-feminism.

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So much energy and effort have been dedicated to empowering women that we forget to empower men. In striving to empower women, the family structure has been affected, which in turn affects society in general. Positive steps have been made in making sure that women have access to education and employment. However, those steps have created an uneven playing field for both men and women, as women's interests are put before men. As the number of sexual abuse for women declines, the number of men being abused has been on the rise. However, the separation did not exist in traditional societies, even though the division of labor was often based on sex, often associated with a patriarchal, male-dominated system. The rise of capitalism, the development of industries and cities led to the development and expansion of a public sphere mostly dominated by men and male activities.

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As a consequence, women became restricted to the private sphere encompassing of the household majorly to take care of the family. Women's contribution to politics, economic activities, and public affairs was minimal. Even though some of the women took part in public activities, movements such as factory legislation, or family wage restricted the participation of women in public life in the 19th century. In doing so, it can develop ideologies and approaches which can be used in a wide range of disciplines. Regardless, feminists have done more than just critiquing systematic approaches that are conventional. They have come up with new methods which put more emphasis, on the experiences that women go through while also relying on new types of knowledge.

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As it has been initially noted, feminism is closely associated with the social world. It may be because feminist theorists often are women who are in a better position to talk about their experiences and interactions (LeGates, 1996). Similarly, it aligns with equality and liberal approaches to feminism. Feminists present the argument that, though the bodies of males and females may differ, they both have like minds and abilities. The idea that women are more connected to the body and nature, and male's power and domination implied that women belonged to the private sphere was generated by men. Regardless, these gender views were socially constructed by powerful males. The perpetuation of such distinctions was conducted through domination within personal relationships, laws and female exclusion.

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The argument does not seek to deter the adoption of the concept, but rather to discover how it can be modified and utilized to improve social theory (Elam, 1994). As a way of addressing issues of gender disparities, the social construction of gender shall be transformed when women are given the opportunity to take part in all of life’s aspects and men transform the way the way they participate, view and relate to women. References Brodribb, Somer. Nothing Maters A feminist critique of postmodernism. Toronto: James Lorimer. The dialectic of sex: The case for feminist revolution. New York: Morrow. Fraser, Nancy. Unruly practices: Power, discourse, and gender in contemporary social theory. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. Making waves: A history of feminism in western society.

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