AO1 Most feminists agree that society and societal attitudes have placed women in a subordinate role. AO2 Most feminists agree that this subordinate role to men means that within society women suffer injustices and institutionalised disadvantages. [IJ] Feminism is united in its view that society has subordinated women to men. AO1 Most feminists agree that a patriarchal society is used to create a system of oppression and domination. AO2 Most radical, socialist and postmodern feminists argue that the patriarchal society is a key source of oppression, stretching across the public and private sphere - the personal is political (Millett). [IJ] There is unity between most strands of feminism over the view that a patriarchal society is oppressive and must be overthrown to achieve liberation and equality. AO1 Most feminists across all strands are equality feminists and see gender as a social construct. AO2 Equality feminists see gender as socially constructed and argue it should be rejected (de Beauvoir, Gilman Perkins). [IJ] Sex or biological differences are inconsequential and should not be relevant in how society treats people.

AO1 Liberal feminism tends to focus on gender inequalities in society from the legal sphere, while radical feminism sees patriarchy as the root cause of oppression in society. AO2 Liberal 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 society (Millett) and postmodern feminism focuses on the "imperialist white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy" (bell hooks). [IJ] Shows a strong division over the nature and origin of oppression in society. AO1 Differences over the role of patriarchy in society lead to very different conclusions over the action needed. AO2 Liberal feminists argue for gradual reforms to secure legal and political equality and by changing attitudes over time; radical (Millett), socialist (Rowbotham) and postmodern feminists (bell hooks) argue for a revolution to overthrow patriarchal society. [IJ] Shows that divisions about the role of patriarchy have led to division over the need for revolutionary action or the reform of society. AO1 Difference feminists disagree with equality feminists over society. AO2 Difference feminists argue that the nature of men and women is different and this needs to be accepted when seeking to emancipate women; they believe women should pursue a woman-centred approach rather than seeking liberation through equality. [IJ] Shows a clear division within feminism between equality and difference feminists over society.