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To what extent does the state have a key role in securing feminist goals? 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 does the state have a key role in securing feminist goals? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent does the state have a key role in securing feminist goals? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Feminists recognize the state's role
Answer
Feminists generally acknowledge that the state can serve essential purposes for women, particularly in advancing rights and ensuring protections. For instance, liberal feminists argue that the state provides frameworks that can help eliminate gender-based discrimination and enhance women's opportunities within various sectors.
Step 2
State's potential to support feminist goals
Answer
It is thought that the state could play a significant role in supporting feminist goals. The state's ability to implement policies that foster equal opportunities and discourage discriminatory practices is critical. This indicates that state intervention can promote gender equality and empower women.
Step 3
Socialist and radical feminists' concerns
Answer
Socialist and radical feminists, however, express reservations. They argue that the state does not inherently prioritize the interests of women, often serving patriarchal structures instead. This highlights a tension regarding whether state actions truly benefit women or merely reinforce existing power dynamics.
Step 4
Disagreement among feminist thinkers
Answer
Liberal feminists see the state as an agent that can facilitate emancipation, while radical feminists challenge this view. They argue that relying on the state may be insufficient and could, in fact, perpetuate the systemic inequalities women face. This underscores the debate over the state's effectiveness in promoting feminist objectives.
Step 5
Conclusion on state's role
Answer
Ultimately, while the state has the potential to play a key role in securing feminist goals, there exists significant disagreement about its effectiveness and intention. The perspectives offered by various feminist thinkers suggest that the interplay between state actions and feminist goals is complex, warranting a critical examination of both alignment and dissent.