M arxism & Fem inism

M arxism
Karl Marx
(1818-1883)

Marxism is a sociological theory based on the ideas of

Karl Marx. It is a structuralist theory but based on
conflict rather than consensus (Functionalism).

Marxists see society as being divided by class.

U/
C
Class Conflict

W/C

Marxism viewpoints
basically argue that one
group in society the
upper/middle class
(bourgeoisie) are more
powerful. This power is
economic (based on
wealth).
To stay in power the
bourgeoisie need to
control and exploit the
working class
(proletariat).

Class
conflict
Marx pointed out that the different interests of the U/C
and the W/C created class conflict. The U/C wanted
profit while the W/C wanted higher wages.
The Bourgeoisie are referred to as the Upper (ruling) class due to the
amount of power, status and influence they held within society. They
controlled the workforce and therefore government had to keep them
happy or risk high unemployment levels and lose investments.

Within this society the upper class must maintain the unequal social
structure i.e. keep the working class working so that the upper
classes can gain more and more capital (wealth).

Marxists argue that capitalist ideology shapes the way of

life of a society its culture e.g. the mass media convinces
us through advertising to buy more material goods. We
want to be rich so that we can buy more and more and
somehow this will make us happy.

What is more, while we are doing all this we are not

noticing the inequalities and exploitation of the
capitalist system. This is described as false class
consciousness we are not aware of our real
identity as exploited and oppressed workers.

Marxists argue that the institutions are organised to

benefit the ruling class.
The family provides socialisation of children,
preparing them for the disciplines and routines of
work.

The health system ensures a healthy workforce

which in turn ensures more profit for the ruling
classes as workers dont take time off sick! They
believe that doctors hide the real social causes of
illness (poverty, class inequality etc.) by focusing
on the individual and their physical symptoms.

Your turn!
1. What is the relationship between the bourgeoisie and
the proletariat?
2. What is meant by false class consciousness?
3. Why do the working class rarely challenge class
inequalities?

Feminism

Feminism is an alternative conflict theory, like Marxists, feminists

see society as being fundamentally divided but between the sexes
rather than between classes. Feminists believe that women are
unfairly treated and they want to change society so that there is
equality between men and women.

Feminist sociology stresses the importance of gender divisions in

society and it portrays these divisions as working to the overall
advantage of men. It is men who rule society and who have the
power in most social situations in relationships, in families, in
schools and so on. This situation is called patriarchy.

Fem inism

Feminism

Feminism is an alternative conflict theory, like Marxists, feminists

see society as being fundamentally divided but between the sexes
rather than between classes. Feminists believe that women are
unfairly treated and they want to change society so that there is
equality between men and women.

Feminist sociology stresses the importance of gender divisions in

society and it portrays these divisions as working to the overall
advantage of men. It is men who rule society and who have the
power in most social situations in relationships, in families, in
schools and so on. This situation is called patriarchy.

Patriarchy

A social organisation which believes the man is head

of the house

A lot of gender stereotypes come from socialisation

Activity:
In what ways do you think our upbringing & socialisation
could influence gender inequalities?

Feminists are in favour

of equal opportunities
for men and women,
and of equal
relationships in all areas
of life.

There are three m ain types of fem inist

approach:
Marxist feminism
Radical feminism
Liberal feminism

Marxist
feminism
See women, especially working class women as
oppressed by both capitalism and men. Women
produce the next generation of workers and look
after the husbands and the next generation of
workers ( the children !!)
They are dominated by their husbands and are
subsiding industry.
The family would not be ready for work if someone
did not take responsibility for domestic life and this
remains the responsibility of the women.

Radical
feminism
For radical feminists, it is not capitalism that dominates
women, but men.
Men dominate women and the family is seen as a
patriarchal institution.
They see the socialisation of women as housewives and
mothers as a form of oppression and this oppression as
a characteristic of nuclear family life.

Liberal
feminism

They would argue that changes have taken place. They

believe that , through changing attitudes and legislation
such as the Equal Pay Act (1970)and the Sex
Discrimination Act (1975) there is more equality.
Liberal feminists believe that improvements will
continue by means of legislation and policy.
Now
Complete the matching activity on
feminism.

Socialisati
on

Women are socialised into caring roles

it
v
i
t
c
A

What gender stereotypes do you think you encountered as a child?

Hint:
Think about what your parents roles were?
What toys did you buy or want when you were a
child?
What was your favourite colour?
What did you want to be when you were older?

n
o
i
t
a
s
li
Socia

Play:5 Mins 7 Min

Reflect

How do Health & Social Care

professionals reflect wider
inequalities in society?

Assignmen
t

Now you can complete the

Feminism section of P1
Outline the three main feminist
approaches
Explain how women are socialised
into caring roles