PSYC 347 Study Guide - Final Guide: Rights-Based Approach To Development, Radical Feminism, Socialist Feminism
Unit 4 Notes
• Objectives
o identify the differences between radical and social-change
feminism/counselling and liberal feminism/counselling;
o understand and identify some of the sociostructural constraints that impact
women’s lives and wellness; and
o reflect upon your own understanding and definition of social justice and
determine what role, if any, it may play in your own feminist therapy practice.
Notes
• identify the differences between radical and social-change feminism/counselling and
liberal feminism/counselling
o socialist feminists emphasize the need for change in institutional and social
relationships.
o radical feminists focus on the need for change in gender relations and societal
institutions. In addition, they strive to increase women’s self awareness in
regards to her sexuality and her desires and views for having children.
Subsequently, cultural feminists emphasize the importance of the recognition
that women are devalued in society and how detrimental this is.
o liberal feminists focus on the individual and the biases these people face in
regards to self awareness, self-respect, esteem, and equality.
Article Notes - Challenging Dominant Discourses
• Pro-choice arguments generally lie within liberal feminism, which adopts a rights-
based approach
• It ignores fundamental aspects of power imbalances and the multiple social
influences on the individual. To this end, women are not seen in the context of their
social milieu, and how they affect, and are affected by those around them when
making the abortion decision
• Radical feminism views the oppression of women as the most basic form of societal
oppression, which is evident in all races, cultures, and socioeconomic groupings.
• Radical feminism challenges the patriarchal division of society along gender lines,
which privileges men while oppressing women
• From a radical feminist perspective, having to choose abortion is an indictment on
society, and it highlights the relationship between the personal and political
dimensions of women’s lives. While women have a right to safe and legal
reproductive health choices, including abortion, it is up to society to ensure that
societal conditions support women’s choices
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