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To what extent do feminists agree over the best ways to achieve social change? 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
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To what extent do feminists agree over the best ways to achieve social change? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and conside... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent do feminists agree over the best ways to achieve social change? 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
Most feminists argue that we need to challenge gender stereotyping in order to achieve social change. For instance, thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir highlight the necessity of confronting societal norms that confine women to specific roles.
Additionally, feminists contend that patriarchy must be dismantled, as it perpetuates inequalities across various sectors. Authors such as Millet emphasize that overcoming patriarchal structures is crucial for women to gain equal footing in society.
Moreover, it is agreed upon that women must address inequalities in the economy, advocating for equal pay and representation in the workforce.
There is also a significant thought that social change can be achieved through collective action in both public and private spheres, where traditional roles are challenged and responsibilities are shared, thereby fostering gender equality.
Step 2
Points against the view
Answer
However, there are differing opinions within feminism regarding the methods to achieve social change. For instance, liberal feminists advocate for gradual reforms and focus on legal equality. In contrast, radical feminists argue for more extensive systemic changes, viewing mere legal rights as insufficient for true equality.
Moreover, postmodern feminists criticize the notion of a single narrative or pathway and argue that this oversimplifies the complexities of oppression, advocating instead for multiple perspectives and solutions that reflect diverse experiences.
Furthermore, there is contention between those who believe in institutional reforms as a method for achieving social change and those who argue for more radical approaches. This highlights the lack of consensus among feminists on the best strategies to achieve their objectives.
Step 3
Conclusions and judgement for the view
Answer
In conclusion, while most feminists agree on certain goals, such as challenging patriarchy and recognizing economic inequalities as pivotal to social change, there exists substantial diversity in their opinions about the means to achieve these aims. The acknowledgment of differing views can lead to a richer understanding of feminist discourse on social change.
Step 4
Conclusions and judgement against the view
Answer
Conversely, it can be concluded that due to the varying schools of thought within feminism—liberal, radical, and postmodern—feminists do not wholly agree on the best strategies for achieving social change. This divergence necessitates a multifaceted approach and suggests that a unified view on methods may never be fully realized.