Patriarchy & The Personal is the Political
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 18.1.3
Patriarchy
Feminists say that society, the state, and the economy are all characterised by whole-scale gender oppression.
Definitions of patriarchy
- Patriarchy has a narrow and broad definition.
- A narrow definition is one in which the father or eldest male is head of the family and descent is through the male line.
- A broad definition refers to a system of government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded.
Responses of different feminists
- Liberal feminists are most concerned about the distribution of rights and their goal is to achieve greater political power for women in the patriarchal system.
- Radical feminists argue patriarchy operates in all areas of society, culture and the personal sphere - it must be overthrown.
- Socialist feminists argue patriarchy revolves around capitalism and class inequality.
The Personal is the Political
The idea that all relationships, both in society and in private, between men and women, are based on power and dominance. This is the essence of patriarchy.
Public vs private
- This idea was first expressed by Carol Hanisch in 1969.
- Conventionally, politics was seen as an activity within the public sphere (e.g. government, the media, work), whilst family life was non-political and private.
- Feminists argued that this divide helped uphold sexual inequality.
- Women were excluded from the 'public' sphere and were confined to a 'private' sphere based around family.
- Feminists sought to challenge the divide between 'public' man and 'private' women.
Responses of different feminists
- Radical feminists believe we should reconstruct family and domestic life, so there are no separate spheres - traditional ‘female’ responsibilities should be in the public sphere.
- Socialist feminists see traditional family structures as part of capitalism and its social structures, which causes inequality in private life, so capitalism is the problem to abolish.
- Liberal feminists focus more on the restrictions to women’s entry to the public sphere and less on the private sphere.
Test yourself on Patriarchy & The Personal is the Political
Which of the following is a socialist-feminist idea about patriarchy?
What do different types of feminists believe about patriarchy?
Which of the following is a radical feminist response to the personal is political?
Which of the following are examples of how feminists saw women as confined to the private sphere?
What do many feminists believe is the essence of patriarchy?