Final answer:
Social feminists see the source of women's oppression in the intersection of societal structures like patriarchy and economic systems that reinforce male dominance and exploit women, particularly in roles where they are relegated to domestic and subordinate positions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social feminists have identified the source of women's oppression in several intersecting societal structures. Conflict theory posits that society is an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change. According to this viewpoint, social problems, including gender inequality, arise when dominant groups exploit or oppress subordinate groups. In the case of women's oppression, feminists argue that the traditional social structures of patriarchy, ingrained in both private and public spheres, significantly contribute to the subordination of women. The division of labor within households, where women have often been relegated to subordinate roles, echoes the exploitation they face within a larger capitalist system where the rules for success and opportunities are largely set by men. During World War II, when women took on roles outside of the home, they challenged these traditional structures. However, the reassertion of traditional roles after the war exemplified the societal reluctance to accept a shift in gender dynamics.
Furthermore, within the context of economic marginalization, such as that observed by Hicks-Bartlett among women living in poverty in Meadow View, the lack of resources, access to public systems of care, and viable employment opportunities further exacerbate the oppression women face. Thus, social feminists see the source of women's oppression as deeply rooted in interconnected socio-economic structures and cultural norms that maintain male dominance and female subordination.