Title: The Feminist Perspective | Introduction to Sociology
Headings: The Feminist Perspective
The Feminist Perspective
Brief
Full Text
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Terms

Content: The Feminist Perspective | Introduction to Sociology
The Feminist Perspective
Brief
Feminist theory analyzes gender stratification through the intersection of gender, race, and class. Full Text
Learning Objectives
Explain gender stratification from the feminist perspective
Key Takeaways
Gender stratification occurs when gender differences give men greater privilege and power over women, transgender and gender-non-conforming people. Feminist theory uses the conflict approach to examine the reinforcement of gender roles and inequalities, highlighting the role of patriarchy in maintaining the oppression of women. Feminism focuses on the theory of patriarchy as a system of power that organizes society into a complex of relationships based on the assertion of male supremacy. Intersectionality suggests that various forms of oppression– such as racism, classism, and sexism — are interrelated to form a system of oppression in which various forms of discrimination intersect. The theory was first highlighted by Kimberlé Krenshaw. Intersectionality suggests that various biological, social, and cultural categories– including gender, race, class, and ethnicity — interact and contribute towards systematic social inequality. Therefore, various forms of oppression do not act independently but are interrelated. Mary Ann Weathers drew attention to the ways in which white women face a different form of discrimination than working class women of color, who additionally must fight racism and class oppression. Key Terms
Patriarchy – The dominance of men in social or cultural systems.