PSIR – 20 Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
Model Answer 12
“The social contract tradition is fundamentally patriarchal.” Examine in the light of feminist political theory. (20 Marks)
🔹 Introduction
The social contract tradition, developed by Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, seeks to justify political authority through consent. Feminist theorists argue that this tradition excludes women and conceals patriarchal domination beneath the language of equality.
🔹 Core Assumptions of Social Contract Theory
- Individuals are rational and autonomous.
- Political society is formed by mutual consent.
- Public sphere is the domain of contract.
However, classical theorists assumed a male head of household as the contracting individual.
🔹 Feminist Critique
1️⃣ Public–Private Divide
- Contract theory separates political (public) from domestic (private) sphere.
- Patriarchal domination in family remains unchallenged.
2️⃣ The Sexual Contract (Carole Pateman)
- Behind the social contract lies a “sexual contract.”
- Women are subordinated in civil society.
3️⃣ Exclusion from Citizenship
- Women historically denied political rights.
- Contract presumes male equality only.
4️⃣ Critique of Abstract Individualism
- Liberal contract assumes gender-neutral individual.
- Ignores structural inequalities.
🔹 Reinterpretations
- Feminist liberalism seeks inclusive contract.
- Care ethics challenges atomistic individualism.
- Rawlsian feminism adapts justice framework.
🔹 Critical Evaluation
Feminist critique reveals the gendered foundations of classical contract theory. However, modern reinterpretations show that contract theory can be reconstructed to support gender equality.
🔹 Conclusion
The social contract tradition, in its classical form, carries patriarchal assumptions. Feminist political theory exposes these limitations and calls for a more inclusive and egalitarian reimagining of political legitimacy.
Shaktimatha Learning – Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
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