ACTIVITY 4: Theory Analysis

Ideas and Approaches in Social Sciences Analysis Table

Theory: Feminist Theory
Brief History:

The 1970s and 1980s saw a considerable expansion of feminist

theory as a result of a rise in scholarly interest in the influence of
gender on all facets of the human experience. Feminist radicalism
rose to prominence in academia during this time, with a focus on
Catharine MacKinnon's work as a feminist legal researcher.

According to Zeigler S. (2009), the traditional First Amendment

concept has occasionally been questioned by feminist thought,
which prioritizes theories of equality over free speech. It is difficult to
classify feminist philosophy as a single school of political thought.

The history of Western feminist theory typically starts with the

writings of Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797), one of the first feminist
authors in the liberal tradition, even though writings that could be
described as "feminist" or embodying the perspectives and
experiences of women have appeared throughout time.

Founder(s)/Key Definition Goal/Aims Weaknesses

Figures and of the of the
Scope of Theory Approach
the
Theory
● Mary A sociological While many people Opponents of the
Wallstonecraft viewpoint that think that the theory contend that it
explores the feminist theory only is intentionally
● Susan B. experiences of emphasizes designed to advance
Anthony women in modern advancing the specific concepts or
society is feminism. superiority of views that favor
● Nancy Cott The model turns women over men, women over men. The
away from the male the theory actually fact that feminists
● Susan Kingsley perspective and promotes equality seem to focus their
experience and and justice by rage on males while
● Juliet Mitchell turns its topical bringing to light ignoring important
focus, analytical widespread social actions that may be
● Susan Bordo lens, and problems that are performed to address
presumptions often misidentified, current concerns
toward women. especially due to contributes to these
Feminist theory the long-standing impressions. First, it is
primarily contends dominance of the crucial to recognize
that patriarchal and male perspective. that the term "feminist
capitalist social theory" encompasses
institutions are to a wide range of
blame for a variety theories (Crossman
of abuses suffered 2019). According to
by women in this perspective,
society. In doing so, various feminists have
the theory aims to varied opinions on
shed light on matters like gender
societal patterns, injustice, oppression,
situations, and and division. Feminist
events that are thought sometimes
misunderstood as favors women over
being related to men. For instance, the
men. hypothesis suggests
that women are less
likely to be in positions
to conduct crimes
and frequently
commit crimes that
are distinct from those
committed by men.
This may not be the
case in reality
 because society and
personal experiences
interact to shape
problems like
deviation. Overall,
how individuals view
the theoretical model
is significantly
impacted by the
shortcomings of
feminist theory.

ACTIVITY 4: Theory Analysis

Guide Question:
What is the significance of the theory you choose and how can it be
useful in understanding our society and its citizens?
The theory offers a comprehensive analytical framework that sheds insight on how
men and women perceive the social world differently. Allen (2018) notes that some
advocates of the idea contend that men and women experience and locate key social
structures in quite different ways. According to this perspective, gender disparities exist to
further discriminate against women rather than to establish an equality framework for all.
Workplace duties and the sexual division of domestic labor are two examples of aspects
that highlight gender inequalities in sociological contexts.

References:

1. Allen, Amy. 2018. The power of feminist theory. Routledge. Crossman,

2. Ashley. 2019. “Feminist Theory in Sociology.” Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/feminist-theory-3026624
3. Elliot, P. 2016. Debates in transgender, queer, and feminist theory: Contested sites.
Routledge.