A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to radical feminism, which of the following is NOT viewed as a form of male control?

1. Psychological

2. Social

3. Economic

4. Physical

The correct answer is: Social

Radical feminism posits that male control manifests in various spheres of women's lives, with the aim of maintaining patriarchal structures. This perspective considers psychological, economic, and physical controls as direct mechanisms through which men exert power over women. Psychological control refers to ways in which men's domination can influence women's self-esteem, autonomy, and identity, creating a society where women feel inferior or subservient. Economic control highlights how men often dominate financial resources, limiting women's independence and reinforcing dependency. Physical control involves the threat or act of violence, directly asserting male dominance through bodily harm or intimidation. The social dimension involves relationships and community structures where male authority typically prevails, aligning it with radical feminist views on control. However, when considering what is NOT viewed as male control within this framework, social aspects like cultural norms and societal expectations usually do not fit the radical feminist perspective as directly as the other forms mentioned. Instead, social interactions often serve more as a backdrop for the expressions of male control rather than a form of control in and of themselves when compared to the other direct methods. Thus, social control is often seen as a broader context rather than a specific, targeted mechanism of male power according to radical feminists.