The Essential Guide to Marxist Feminism

The Essential Guide to Marxist Feminism

* These notes are specifically written for the AQA Sociology A-Level exam, but of course can be relevant to all sorts of other examinations and subjects. These are purposely written to be highly concise, thus if you have any questions - don't be afraid to leave a comment and I'll try and help you out.

The 6 Key Principles to Marxist Feminism

1. Women's subordination is rooted in capitalism.
2. Women's unpaid domestic role makes them financially dependent on men
3. Excludes women from the workforce + encourages them to consume.
4. Women act as a reserve army of labour.
5. Reproduce the workforce.
6. Ansley: Takers of Shit

3 Key Marxist Feminists

1. Michele Barrett - Ideology of Feminism
2. Fran Ansley - Takers of Shit
3. Magarter Benston - Slaves of the Wage Slaves

Ideology of Familism

Michele Barrett --> Ideology of familism ensures women collude in their oppression. The "cereal packet family" and it's division of labour seem normal.

Women believe they can only find fulfillment through family and motherhood.

Takers of Shit

Fran Ansley --> Women absorb anger that would be aimed at capitalist bosses. 'Takers of Shit' from alienated and frustrated workers.

==> Stops them from taking it out on their bosses.

This is why the state ignored domestic violence for so long.

Reserve Army of Labour

Women are brought into the labour market during economic boom & are first to be sacked in recessions to return to the role of housewife.

This is still seen today... women are more likely to have temporary contracts & were the biggest causalities in recession.

Slaves of the Wage Slaves

Magaret Benston --> Women look after (satisfy physical, emotional and sexual needs) of men (who are the wage slaves / work for) capitalist bosses.

4 Criticisms of Marxist Feminism

1. May have lost validity as the number of women working has gone up. But nonetheless they lost out most during recent recession.
2. Why are women subordinated in non-capitalist societies?
3. Radical Feminists: Men benefit more from patriarchy than capitalism.
4. Hartmann: Marxist Feminists are sex blind. Why is it women not men who do housework?

2 Key Marxist Feminist Solutions

1. Overthrow capitalism with a socialist revolution.
2. Barrett: Overthrow the ideology of capitalism.