Photo AI
To what extent do feminists agree that patriarchy is based on human nature? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 5
To what extent do feminists agree that patriarchy is based on human nature? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider d... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent do feminists agree that patriarchy is based on human nature? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points for the view
Answer
Many feminists argue that patriarchy is indeed based on human nature. They suggest that inherent differences between men and women lead to patriarchal structures.
-
Essentialist Perspective: Difference feminists promote women's innate values and qualities, arguing that these are often overlooked in a patriarchal society. They contend that traditional patriarchy stems from a misunderstanding of these differences.
-
Support for Androgyny: Some difference feminists assert that while essentialist views support their stance, they also acknowledge the roles of social constructs. Gender roles are seen as parallel to essential values in human nature.
-
Celebration of Women's Values: Those who align with essentialism believe that societal structures should celebrate and elevate women's traditionally valued traits.
Step 2
Points against the view
Answer
On the contrary, a vast majority of feminists refute the idea that patriarchy is based on human nature.
-
Social Construct Perspective: Many feminists argue that patriarchy arises from social constructs rather than biological underpinnings. They emphasize that conditions are created through societal dynamics, rather than inherent human traits.
-
Capitalist Critique: Socialists feminists, in particular, hold that patriarchy is intertwined with capitalism, asserting that economic structures perpetuate gender inequalities, rather than biological differences.
-
Equality among Feminists: Notably, almost all feminists recognize that women’s roles are influenced by socio-economic factors, showing a preference for advocating equality over essentialist beliefs.
Step 3
Conclusion and Judgement
Answer
In conclusion, while some feminists argue that patriarchy is rooted in human nature, many others contest this viewpoint by emphasizing social constructs and economic influences.
-
Differing Perspectives: The discourse reflects a broad spectrum of beliefs within feminism, where essentialism contrasts sharply with social constructivism.
-
Balanced Understanding: It is evident that while essentialist feminists can find basis in human nature, a significant number of voices advocate for views that discard biological determinism in explaining gender dynamics.
We can thus form a verdict that feminist thought provides varied perspectives on the origins of patriarchy, often concluding that socio-economic structures play a pivotal role.