Lesson 3 - Gender Inequality - Marxism Flashcards
What do Marxists argue about gender inequality (thesis statement)
Rise of class based society through capitalism has brought about gender inequalities which discriminate against women
Bourgeoisie and proletariat relationship which exists in capitalist society is translated into household and mirrors the relationships between males n females
What does Engels argue about gender inequality (thesis statement)
Women have subordinate position in society
Result of ownership of private property
Due to development of nuclear family
Why did Engels say men gained control over women
In order to pass ownership of their own private property to their kids they have to be sure their son is their own
Results in sexual domination
What did Engels say sexual domination result in
Ideology of nuclear family
Restricted women’s sexuality n enforced monogamy
(-) Engels focuses too heavily on macro structural issues
(nuclear family)
Ignores small scale interactions which could provide more valid understanding of inequality (managing family budget)
(-) Postmodernist critique of Engels’/Marxist views
Argue Marxist views fail to recognise gender roles have changed and become more contemporary
Marxist work lacks temporal validity
(+) Engels ideas on nuclear family is supported
Functionalists (Parsons) support ideology of nuclear family is important for society
Marx wrt capitalism/passing on private property
Functionalists wrt socialisation of children/stabilising adult personalities
What do Marxist Feminists say about gender inequality (thesis statement)
Women help support capitalist system through performing unpaid domestic labour
Women seen as “A reserve army of labour”
What do Marxist Feminists say about women and reproduction
Women reproduce next generation of workers who are socialised into accepting N & V that benefit capitalist system
Feeley(1972) stated family teach children to submit to patriarchal male authority
Children pre-conditioned to accept place in capitalist hierarchy
Family is designed to teach children to be passive and not rebellious
What does Feeley(1972) state about women and reproduction
Family teach children to submit to patriarchal male authority
Children pre-conditioned to accept place in capitalist hierarchy
Family is designed to teach children to be passive and not rebellious
(+) Oakley supports idea of males n females socialised by capitalism
Socialised at young age to accept future roles in society which leads to inequality later on
Eg females are canalised with hoovers and dolls and males are given job oriented toys (cars)
What do Marxists say about the role of housework
Women do majority of housework but unpaid
Only wage is paid to husband via job
-thus female is dependent on husband for economic matters
What does Benston(1972) say about the role of housework
Wife must keep husband in “good running order” by feeding n caring for him
Essential for him to be good worker in capitalist system
Since males are main breadwinner
-unlikely males will challenge capitalist system
-could lose job –> threaten stability of nuclear family
(-) Crisis of masculinity criticises Benston’s ideas
Questions if males are main breadwinner
Suggests females taking over labour market n other areas of social life
Men are actually facing gender inequality not women
Farrell(2013) claimed “glass cellar” is lowest ranking professions in USA
24/25 are filled 85-100% by men
What does Ansley say about women being “safety values”
Women soothe frustration of exploited proletariat husbands
Bosses feel secure knowing their men workers have wives which absorb male frustration
-needed in order to continue exploitation
Women further their powerlessness and oppression
