QN 2(b) Discuss Feminist Theory of the State.

Feminists do not have a separate feminist theory for state. They view state as a neutral actor. They criticise state as patriarchal and demand corrective action. Scholars like Hegel have projected state as March of God on Earth and family as universal altruism. But feminists feel this is wrong. Feminist perspective of state is defined by

1. State as a regulator of public sphere.
2. State as an instrument of power.

Early feminist were mainly concerned with suffrage. They wanted the state to recognized them as equal citizens. It was thought that voting rights would being women ahead. But even after achieving voting sights, there felt no substantial change occurred in women's lives.

Then feminist focused on economic empowerment. This was primarily driven by socialistic feminists. It was thought economic equality would bring about women empowerment. Socialists have been criticized for their efforts of ‘forced emancipation’ where women use allotted strenuous tasks that were physically demanding.

Some scholars have criticized that the lack of economic recognition for house hold work has dented women’s status. They have demanded the state to make provisions for regulating this unpaid labour especially domestic care work.

Radical feminists have criticized both liberal and socialist feminists and presented an elaborate attack against the state. They view,

1. Male power has been entrenched with state power and perpetuate oppression. They  criticize the liberal scholars that their opinion of equal freedom brining about liberation is a fallacy. They highlight the fact that despite all posts and offices open to women, there are only few who reach there.
2. Equality should be differentiated. Simple notions of equality is not accepted by them. They demand the state should take steps to equalize the differences and compensate for the past oppression.
3. “ Personal is political ”

                                      -Kate millet ( Sexual  Politics )  

State should interfere and check male domination in the private life. Family far from being an idealistic altruistic union, they identify it as an area of oppression and domination.

They feel oppression and deprivation begins at home. Young boys seeing the unequal treatment of their sibling and oppression of their mothers believe it as natural to treat women as second class citizens. They have demanded states to play role in checking this.

4. Differential concept of gender and sex:

Feminists feel gender differentiation is natural but sexual differentiation is artificial and men made.

Most of their views are accepted. Special provisions are being made for allocation of resources to their upliftment of women condition. Eg  : Indra Gandhi Natritva sahyog  Yojana, Beti Bacho Beti Pado, SABLA, Priyadarshini scheme, Maternity Benefit Act, etc.

Feminist criticize  the militarization of nations was caused by the domination of states by men. They have cited women are peace loving and would have promoted increased cooperation among nations.

Thus feminists recognize state as a legitimate entity and nudge in to play a greater role in women emancipation and empowerment. They have demanded increased access and recognition to bring about women empowerment.