The Gendered Power Struggle

Gender, Sex, and Sexuality SOCI 1306 Conflict Theory According to conflict theory, which has its roots in Karl Marx's writings, social groupings are continuously fighting for control and supremacy over society, which functions as a battlefield for resources. This theoretical framework may be used to comprehend the dynamics of gender relations, emphasising in particular the ongoing conflict that persists between women, who are typically perceived as the submissive group, and males, who are commonly perceived as the dominating group. Conflict theory holds that social problems originate when dominant groups take advantage of or oppress weaker groups, hence sustaining social stratification and inequality. This viewpoint is useful for examining both historical and modern gender issues, including the current discussions over women's reproductive rights and the Women's Suffrage Movement. One of the best examples of women opposing the long-standing male domination is the Women's Suffrage Movement. Women put up a valiant fight at this time for the right to vote, which is essential to having political power and representation. The male-dominated social and political systems, which aimed to keep control over women by denying them a role in politics, put up a fierce fight against the suffragettes. The movement brought to light the extreme measures taken by the dominant group to maintain their privileged status and the intense desire of the subordinate group to protect their liberties and rights. This historical conflict supports the claim made by conflict theory that dominant groups' exploitation and oppression of others perpetuates societal issues. In a similar vein, the continuous power struggle between men and women is reflected in the discussion around women's reproductive rights, especially the freedom to choose. Women's autonomy and body control are closely related to the topic of reproductive rights. Women's reproductive choices have historically been restricted by dominant groups, which are often composed of males and patriarchal institutions. This has limited women's independence and served to reinforce their inferior status. The battle for authority over reproductive rights is a modern-day expression of the larger struggle between dominant and subservient groups, as women persistently strive for their independence and the freedom to make choices regarding their own bodies. Karl Marx's associate and well-known German sociologist Friedrich Engels expanded the application of conflict theory to the study of gender roles and family dynamics. Engels proposed that women take on the role of the proletariat in the home, reflecting the same exploitative dynamics that exist in the labour force and are defined by the owner-worker relationship. Men are seen in this sense as the bourgeoisie, in charge of the family's finances and resources. This power disparity is made worse by women's need on males for financial assistance, especially for those who are totally dependent on their spouses for financial support. This reliance on money perpetuates women's status as subordinates and hinders their capacity to successfully oppose the ruling group. According to modern conflict theorists, women's economic empowerment might act as a trigger to alter the balance of power inside the family. Women who work for a living acquire a level of financial independence that they may utilise to their advantage by gaining more authority and influence in the home. Since women are no longer totally dependent on males for financial support, this change has the potential to promote more democratic and equitable arrangements in the household. But even with these advancements, women frequently still handle the majority of household duties—a practice known as the "second shift." This phrase was created by sociologist Arlie Hochschild to express the dual load that working women bear when juggling the bulk of domestic and childcare responsibilities in addition to their professional commitments. Even as women make progress in the workplace, there are still obstacles to overcome in the pursuit of full gender equality, as seen by the continued imbalance in household work. An important subject in conflict theory's description of society is the interaction between gender relations and economic power. Women are challenging the established power structures that have historically kept them in subservient roles as they become more and more economically independent and involved in the workforce. This change upends longstanding conventions and forces a reevaluation of gender roles and expectations, which has important ramifications for the larger social order. True equality, however, is a difficult goal to achieve as dominant groups still have a lot of power over institutions and cultural norms. According to conflict theory, the fight for gender equality is a complex and never-ending process. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including domestic work, economic empowerment, and reproductive rights in addition to political representation. Women are always working to confront and undermine the oppressive systems that uphold their place as subordinates, and each of these domains serves as a battlefield in the larger struggle between dominant and subordinate groups. Understanding these processes is made much easier by the insights offered by conflict theory, which emphasises the essential role that exploitation and power play in forming social interactions and sustaining inequality. To sum up, conflict theory provides a strong framework for examining gender relations and the ongoing fight for gender equality. This theoretical approach illuminates the ways in which oppressed groups attempt to oppose and overthrow their oppressors while dominant groups hold onto power by highlighting the roles of exploitation, resistance, and power. The continual fight between dominant and subordinate groups is illustrated by the historical and present campaigns for women's rights, from suffrage to reproductive autonomy, and these conflicts highlight the significance of ongoing attempts to attain gender equality. Women can obtain the strength to question the current social order and fight towards a more just and equitable society by reevaluating traditional gender roles and empowering themselves economically.