Feminist theory observes gender in its relation to power often within a social structure at large. "Feminist theory is a major branch of theory within sociology that shifts its assumptions, analytic lens and topical focus away from the male viewpoint and experience and toward that of women," according to ThoughtCo. "In doing so, feminist theory shines a light on social problems, trends, and issues that are otherwise overlooked or misidentified by the historically dominant male perspective within social theory."