Feminist Theory

1180 Words3 Pages

Analyzing the History and Effects
Feminist sociology focuses on examining and understanding gender in its relation to power within society as well as individuals. The fundamental principle of feminist sociology is the idea that in most societies, women have been oppressed and that men have been more dominant throughout history. Feminist theory directly relates to feminist sociology. According to the Introduction to Sociology 2e textbook, “feminist theory is a type of conflict theory that examines inequalities in gender-related issues. It uses the conflict approach to examine the maintenance of gender roles and inequalities” (Openstax 261). This paper aims to analyze feminist theory, discuss its history, as well as emphasizing a current social …show more content…

In 1853, she was the first to translate August Comte's exposition, Cours de Philosophie Positive, from French to English. Harriet Martineau’s translation provided English scholars with a way to learn the works of Comte, who is best known as the father of sociology. Additionally, Martineau observed and studied social practices and their effects on society. These social practices included social class, religion, suicide, national character, domestic relations and how these elements affected social problems and individuals. Martineau was also passionate and active in the women's rights movement. She studied and focused on the power relationships and inequalities between men and women. In 1873 Harriet Martineau wrote in her book, Society in America, that it is important to address the conditions of inequality faced by …show more content…

Feminist theory looks beyond the common male based perspectives and focuses on women’s perspectives and their roles within society. The feminist theory is still relevant in today’s society. In fact, feminism and the feminist theory will be relevant for as long as there is inequality in this world. For example, according to the United States Department of Labor, women still make 78 cents for every dollar men make, on average, in every career field. Additionally, violence against women is still a prevalent problem today. For instance, one in three women are victims of physical and sexual violence often committed by intimate partners. These statistics are higher in countries where women are treated and seen as property of their husbands. Lastly, reproductive rights are an important step to creating equality. Laws need to protect the rights of women to have freedom over their bodies in the way that men have control over

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