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To what extent do feminists agree about the nature of the economy in a future society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 5
To what extent do feminists agree about the nature of the economy in a future society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent do feminists agree about the nature of the economy in a future society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points of Agreement
Answer
Feminists generally agree that the current economic system discriminates against women in various ways. For example, Gillman argues that a future economy must be structured to ensure equal access for women, indicating a shared belief that current structures perpetuate inequality.
Additionally, feminists agree that domestic labor is undervalued; this labor is often seen as women’s role but fails to be acknowledged in terms of its economic contribution. This consensus highlights the idea that the economy should recognize and reward domestic roles fairly.
Moreover, feminists contend that there are significant barriers preventing women from accessing decent pay for their work. They agree that the economy must be organized to facilitate paid employment opportunities that are equivalent to men’s work, saying that changes in economic structures are necessary for gender equity.
Step 2
Points of Disagreement
Answer
Despite shared beliefs, feminists differ on the methods to achieve economic equity. For instance, liberal feminists emphasize legislative change and believe that women should have equal opportunities within the existing economic framework. Conversely, radical feminists argue for a fundamental transformation of societal structures, rejecting the notion that reform within the system can adequately address the root issues of injustice.
Socialist feminists, like Rowbotham, advocate for a complete overhaul of the capitalist framework, supporting a model of women's liberation that fundamentally alters economic systems. In contrast, post-modern feminists critique both socialist and radical feminist stances by emphasizing intersectionality and the need to consider various forms of oppression together.