Sociological theory is broadly concerned with structured forms of social inequality. Therefore, sociologist generally attempt to approach human behaviour and relations in terms of the particular social setting of different social groups, classes and etc. However, feminist critics of sociology have pointed out that sociological theorists have neglected gender as a central principle of social differentiation.

Feminist sociologist argue that most sociological theory is characterised by a 'malestream' view of the social world in which women are either overlooked altogether or discussed as if they were identical to men. The concept used most frequently to capture structured power relations between the sexes is 'patriarchy'. This essay will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of four different feminist theoretical orientations.

Liberal feminists are the least 'radical' of all feminist perspectives. The main aim of the liberal feminists is the creation of equal oppo

Liberal feminists do not seek revolutionary changes in society, but rather reforms that take place within existing social and political structures. If there are any weaknesses to he liberal feminists this may be it. Other feminist may argue that the liberals are not aggressive enough and rely too much on hope.

Radical feminists turn their explanatory focus onto heterosexuality as a social construction. Radical feminists thus often see the social context of heterosexuality, family life, as central to women's oppression in modern societies. If men oppress women, then surely heterosexuality constitutes 'sleeping with the enemy'; the slogan which emerged in the 1070's-'feminism is the theory, lesbianism is the practice'-captures the essence of this perspective.

One major weakness to the solutions provided by Marxist and socialist is that it may explain why capitalist exploit workers but not why men exploit women.

Marxist and socialist feminists regard capitalism rather than patriarchy as being the principal source of women's oppression, and capitalists as the main beneficiaries. Marxist/socialist feminists and radical feminists have many similarities when it comes to what they see as a problem, however, their solutions are not exactly the same. For example, like radicals they see women's unpaid work as housewives and mothers as one of the main ways in which they are exploited. However, although individual men benefit from this arrangement, it is especially capitalists who gain from women's work, since new generations of workers are reproduced at not cost to them. Marxist feminists also place much greater stress on the exploitation of women in paid employment. The disadvantaged position of women is held to be a con

Some common words found in the essay are:
Q1b Feminist, radical feminists, marxist socialist, liberal feminists, liberal feminism, sociological theory, women's oppression, marxist socialist feminists, feminist theoretical orientations, socialist feminists, perspective radical, liberal feminist, theoretical orientations,
Approximate Word count = 1200
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)