What are the key features of Radical Feminism?

Radical feminism is a movement and political school of thought that emerged in the 1970s/80s to fundementally question the unequal social relations between men and women. They argue that sexual oppression is the main determinant of patriarchy through gendered stereotypes of 'man' and 'woman' which, are seen as more significant than race, class or sexuality. Therefore, these ideas should be challenged through 'consociouness raising' an idea influenced by the Black Power movement. Radical feminists view the structure of the family and personal life as the main institution that upholds gender oppression arguing 'the personal is the political'. They forward that revolutionary change is needed to overthrow and replace these ideas.  However, radical feminism encompasses a number of conflicting elements, namely the divergent positions over 'equality feminism' and 'difference feminism'. An example of this is the 'pro-woman' position evident in France and the USA that emphasises the role of a sisterhood and recognises the unique differences women share in comparison to men. These ideas have been particuly strong in the types of radical feminism- ecofeminsm, cultural feminism and political lesbianism.  The main poitical figures are Andrea Dworkin, Kate Millett, Susan Brownmiller, Eva Figes and Ti-Grace Atkinson.