Feminism – Liberal, Marxist & Radical Perspectives
UPSC PSIR | Contemporary Political Theory | Gender & Power
1️⃣ WHAT IS FEMINISM?
Feminism is a political theory that challenges gender-based inequality.
It critiques patriarchy — system of male domination.
2️⃣ LIBERAL FEMINISM
Focus:
- Equal legal rights
- Education & employment opportunities
- Political participation
Key thinker: Mary Wollstonecraft.
Goal → Equality within existing liberal framework.
3️⃣ MARXIST FEMINISM
Focus:
- Economic exploitation of women
- Unpaid domestic labor
- Capitalism & patriarchy nexus
Women’s oppression rooted in private property system.
4️⃣ RADICAL FEMINISM
Focus:
- Patriarchy as primary oppression
- Control over women’s bodies
- Critique of family structure
“Personal is political.”
5️⃣ PUBLIC vs PRIVATE SPHERE
Traditional theory separates:
- Public (politics)
- Private (family)
Feminism challenges this division.
6️⃣ FEMINIST CRITIQUE OF LIBERALISM
- Abstract individual ignores gender
- Neutral state may reproduce inequality
- Rights framework insufficient without structural change
7️⃣ MODERN RELEVANCE
- Gender justice
- Workplace equality
- Political representation
- Intersectionality debates
MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss major strands of feminist theory.
- How does feminism challenge liberal political theory?
- Explain the slogan “Personal is political.”
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Patriarchy
- Public-private divide
- Liberal vs Marxist feminism
- Radical critique
- Gender justice
Feminism = Politics of Gender Justice
Shaktimatha Learning – Contemporary Theory Series
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