An Exploration of Socialist Feminist Perspectives on Gender Difference: Patterns, Criticisms and Refutations

Abstract

Difference-based feminism has not abandoned the pursuit of equality, and the essential differences between the sexes make it imperative that gender differences are respected. Socialist feminism sees the positive value of women's differences, advocates the elimination of gender inequality from the perspective of reconstructing women's identities, and emphasizes the importance of gender theory for women's emancipation. As for the causes of gender inequality, socialist feminism is aware of the double oppression of women in the public and private spheres, and points to the path to equality at this stage, with women's full access to the labour market, the transformation of the private sphere into the public sphere, and the elimination of gender differences in the responsibilities, duties and identities of the sexes in different spheres. Finally, the socialist feminist future of equality is ideal and achievable, and the attainment of socialist equality of opportunity will ultimately lead to the complete emancipation of women in a communist society.