Feminist Political Theory – From Equality to Power
“The personal is political.”
1️⃣ WHAT IS FEMINISM?
Feminism is a political theory that questions gender inequality and male dominance in society.
It argues that traditional political theory ignored women’s experiences.
- Politics was defined as public sphere
- Women were confined to private sphere
- Family was considered “non-political”
2️⃣ CORE QUESTIONS
- Why are women underrepresented in politics?
- Is the State gender neutral?
- Does law protect women equally?
- How does patriarchy operate?
3️⃣ WAVES OF FEMINISM
First Wave
- Voting rights
- Legal equality
Second Wave
- Workplace discrimination
- Reproductive rights
- Domestic violence
Third Wave
- Identity politics
- Intersectionality
4️⃣ TYPES OF FEMINISM
Liberal Feminism
- Focus on equal rights
- Reform within system
Marxist Feminism
- Women’s oppression linked to capitalism
- Economic dependence creates inequality
Radical Feminism
- Patriarchy is root problem
- Power relations exist inside family
Socialist Feminism
- Combines class + gender analysis
5️⃣ PATRIARCHY
Patriarchy means male dominance in social, economic and political structures.
It operates through:
- Family
- Religion
- Law
- Media
- Culture
6️⃣ PUBLIC vs PRIVATE DIVIDE
Traditional theory: Public = political Private = personal
Feminists argue: Family is also political. Domestic violence, unpaid care work and reproductive labor are political issues.
7️⃣ FEMINISM & STATE
- Is the State male-biased?
- Are policies gender sensitive?
- Representation in Parliament?
Example: Women Reservation Bill in India.
8️⃣ INTERSECTIONALITY
Women experience oppression differently based on:
- Caste
- Class
- Race
- Religion
This makes feminism more inclusive.
9️⃣ RELEVANCE FOR UPSC
- Gender budgeting
- Women representation
- Digital harassment
- Work participation
- Care economy
- Uniform Civil Code debate
📝 MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss the idea that “the personal is political.”
- Is the modern State gender neutral?
- Explain different strands of feminism.
- Examine patriarchy as a structure of power.
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Challenge public-private divide
- Expose patriarchy
- Demand equality + dignity
- Link gender with power
Justice without gender equality is incomplete justice.
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