Feminist Theories of the Family

Feminist Theories of the Family
There are four major branches of Feminist theory: Marxist-feminism, Liberal-feminism and Radical- feminism. Each of these views the family in slightly varying terms.

Marxist-feminists/Feminist-Marxist argues that:
•    The overthrow of capitalism is necessary to create equality between women and men.
•    The family is an exploitative institution (within the context of a capitalist world)
•    Family passes on pro-capitialist values from one generation to the next
•    Women constitute a reserve army of labour.
•    The overthrow of capitalism and establishment of a socialist society will result in equality for women alongside men in the economic sphere.

Socialist Feminists argue:
•    Marxist feminist theories of the family are inadequate and overly concentrated on capitalism. They do not believe that the overthrow of capitalism will result in equality between women and men.
•    Socialist feminists contend that patriarchy is responsible for male domination over women. Consequently, they believe that if patriarchy is challenged, then women can become equal to men.
•    Altogether, they recommend challenging the dictates of capitalism as well as patriarchy. Both systems have a tendency to subordinate women. If they are challenged, then women, stand a better chance of improving their status in society.

Liberal Feminists argue:
•    There have been gradual changes in society that have benefited women, and helped to improve their social status and general well-being in society.
•    Within the context of the family they argue the roles (between men and women) have become more symmetrical, as men have become increasingly involved in the daily affairs of the family.
•    Further, women have increasingly become co-bread winners, thus removing the strain on the male to be the singular income earner for the family.
•    These changes have afforded the members to enjoy more leisure and other family oriented activities, as opposed to the seemingly disparate role-functions that have characterised the traditional family form. 

Radical Feminists argue:
•    Patriarchy, a universal ‘dominant’ force is responsible for female oppression.
•    They argue that within the context of the family males (irrespective of their relational ties to women) has the advantage over women.
•    The family is seen as an institution of exploitation – since women and children’s labour are exploited; they are also victims of domestic violence, within the context of the family.
•    Radical Feminists (hard line radical feminists/separatists) contend that the only viable solution to ending female oppression is the abolition of the family.