PSYC 3480 Chapter Notes - Chapter chapter one : Radical Feminism, Liberal Feminism, Cultural Feminism
Document Summary
The chapter begins by establishing definitional differences between sex and gender. Sex is defined as a purely biological phenomenon (ie. sex organs, hormonal regulation ect. gender is seen to encapsulate psychological characteristics as well as human constructed social categories. Various social biases are subsequently listed in the textbook: Heterosexism/sexual prejudice: discrimination against individuals not exclusively heterosexual. While feminism is broadly defined as a principle that values women"s experiences and ideas, with emphasis on social, political, and economic equality, there is also 4 common schools of thought. Liberal feminism: focuses primarily on gender equality, via laws guaranteeing equality. This doctrine also postulates that any gender differences sign are due more to systematic error/biases rather than inherent differences. Cultural feminism: focuses more on the positive aspects that are presumed to be inherent to women and are often ignored within society. Radical feminism: beliefs a radical upheaval of the current system is required.
