Summary

Anna Yeatman tried to provide a perspective regarding the connection between

gender and social policy that cannot be separated from the context of the Welfare State's
History. Starting from the re-evaluation of Marshall's argument that focuses on social rights,
which are seen as something universal for all citizens, the truth is this notion has an impact
on the marginalization of women. This happens because other factors also contribute to
disparities besides gender, such as race and class. Feminist critique is needed to be able to
make policies that are gender sensitive and inclusive.
Based on the section on the status of freedom, the author tries to explain how the
traditional welfare state creates gender hierarchies, which have an impact on individual
opportunities to choose life paths such as education and employment. Social rights have
been constructed with the role of men as breadwinners and women as caregivers for a long
time. Therefore, women often lose the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest.
With the thoughts of feminists, it is hoped that it will help women to be more empowered.
Reflecting Perspective
Neoliberalism attacks the institution of the welfare state by reducing the scope of welfare
state services, removing the right-based concept of welfare benefits, take away the core
service institution (education and primary health services). However, Neoliberals claim to
offer privatization and freedom which feminist critics that it does not meet the feminist
standard of inclusion. In Neoliberalism, basic equality and equity can not be fulfilled
especially for women to compete in globalization.
Opinion
Neoliberalism worsens gender inequalities by undervaluing unpaid care work, privatizing
essential social services, and eroding social protections. Neoliberalism prioritizes market
freedoms over social justice which caused erosion of welfare state institutions and
inequalities.
Questions
What is the relation between neoliberalism and feminism?

What should neoliberalism do to accommodate feminist critics?

Which one is the most suitable for feminism and gender equality, neoliberalism or welfare state?

How to balance freedom in gender equality and neoliberalism?

should neoliberal government provide the basic needs for the society especially marginalized
groups to protect them from the free market?

so basically neoliberalism can't let the government be involved in the provision of basic
needs and social protection?

what happens to women if neoliberalism gives all the authority to the free market?