Functionalist Theory Of Gender Inequality

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The theories for the basis of gender inequality all have the same goal, but vary widely. The five main theories, functional feminism, liberal feminism, radical feminism, black feminism, and postmodern feminism all strive to address the causes of gender inequality and work to gain women their desired and inalienable right to be treated equally to a man. The functional theory of gender inequalities is based upon the belief that men and women have innately different biological make ups that naturally divide them. Functionalist believe that men and women are inclined to do activities that best suit their physical and mental capacities. Scholars such as Talcott Parsons uses research from industrial age families to determine that men led stressful …show more content…

This dependency sometimes gives men infinite power over women because without the monetary support of a man, they have little chance of surviving on their on their own. Unlike functionalist theories, feminist theories address the problem of inequalities against women and implement agendas to overcome the disparity that they face. One such theory is the liberal feminist theory. The practice of liberal feminism is consistent with developing initiatives to allow one to be on an equal platform as men. Through programs and legislation such as the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act women are able to have the same opportunities as men. Although many of these legislations have allowed women to gain significant opportunity and decrease inequality in nations such as the United States, many individuals feel as though this does not deal with the root of inequality against women. Radical feminist believe that functional feminist are not willing to deal with the root of the problem and show women how to circumvent the discrimination that they face. Radical feminist believe that legislation cannot solve inequality

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