The Feminist View of the Family

Different Approaches to Family Life

- Liberal feminists suggest that society has seen a 'march of progress' towards gender equality at home and in wider society through reforming existing laws.

- Marxist feminists have challenged traditional gender roles at home, examining the unpaid labour of women and the expectations of society on women to look after their husbands.

- Radical feminists are critical of marriage, seeing it as an unequal institution that is patriarchal in nature and where men use financial and physical power to control women. 

Liberal Feminism

- Changes to social policies that have impacted the role of women in the family.

- Encouraging employment:

• Equal Pay Act
• Sex Discrimination Act
• Equality Act

- Control over reproductive rights:

• Family Planning Act

- Marital Rights:

• Divorce Reform Act
• Exclusion of Marital **** Clause

Marxist Feminism

- Impacts of unpaid labour in the home:

• Dual burden
• Triple shift

- Expectations of women…