AO1 Most feminists agree that patriarchy allows men to dominate and exploit women. Most feminists agree that patriarchy is a form of systemic control and dominance rooted in societal institutions. We can conclude that there is agreement between most strands of feminism over the role played by patriarchy. AO2 Most feminists agree that gender roles in a patriarchal society are used to create a system of oppression and domination. Most second and third wave feminists argue that gender roles are artificial constructs (de Beauvoir) imposed within a patriarchal society to subjugate women. We can conclude that there is agreement between most strands of feminism that the gender roles in a patriarchal society are part of a system of oppression. [IJ] Most feminists agree that patriarchal structures in society can and should be overthrown. Most feminists argue that patriarchal structures can and should be overthrown in order to achieve liberation and sexual equality. We can conclude that there is agreement between most strands of feminism that the patriarchal society must be overthrown.

AO1 Liberal feminism tends to focus on gender inequalities emanating from the legal sphere, while radicals see patriarchy as the root cause of oppression. Liberalism feminism sees discrimination in the public sphere rather than a patriarchy of systemic, institutionalised and pervasive gender oppression which radical feminism views as permeating every aspect of life. We can conclude that there is strong disagreement over the nature and origin of oppression in society. AO2 Differences over the role of patriarchy in society lead to very different conclusions over the action that is needed. Liberal feminists argue for gradual reforms to secure legal and political equality and by changing attitudes over time while radical (Millett), socialist (Rowbotham) and postmodern feminists (bell hooks) argue for a revolution to overthrow patriarchy. We can conclude that disagreements within feminism about the role of patriarchy lead to division over the need for revolution or reform. [IJ] There are disagreements within second and third wave feminism over the role of patriarchy in society. Socialist feminists argue that capitalism is the primary source of female oppression (Rowbotham) whilst radical feminists see patriarchy as the primary source of oppression (Millet) and post-modern feminism sees interlocking systems of imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy (bell hooks) leading to differing revolutionary strategies. We can conclude that there is a disagreement within second and third wave feminism over the role of patriarchy in society leading to differing revolutionary strategies.