Socialist Feminism

Question 1

What does Engels say?

Answer 1

Position for women in society fundamentally changed w development of capitalism and private property.
Pre capitalists societies observed “mother right”- inheritance through female line
Overthrown by capitalism based on ownership of private property by men and led to “world historical defeat of the female sex

Question 2

Women are inevitably oppressed and disciminstee against under capitalism”-yes

Answer 2

Predominance of women playing domestic role means that men are bound to dominate economic life
As long as men dominate economic positions of power, they will discriminate against women

Question 3

Women are inevitably oppressed and discriminated against under capitalism- no

Answer 3

Women are making progress in achieving senior positions in economic life. Once critical mass achieved, male domination will achieve.
No longer inevitable that women must concentrate on domestic roles, women can play a full part in economic life outside the home

Question 4

How do modern Marxist feminists disagree with Engel’s about the oppression of women?

Answer 4

Criticise for over stressing importance of property. Modern society, as women increasingly have to carve own property independently, their oppression has not ceased; remain an exploited part of the workforce

Question 5

How do liberal and socialist feminists disagree on the roots of female oppression and how it can be overcome?

Answer 5

Socialist concentrate on plight of w/c women while liberal concentrate on scrub issues as equal opportunities and equal pay.
Socialist- only extreme modification of capitalism will lighten women from inferior economic position

Question 6

Main argument of Shelia Rowbotham?

Answer 6

Rejects rigid economic determinism of Marx. Female oppression has economic roots, also seems nature or nuclear family and the cultural dominance of male sexuality.
While economic liberation and equality of women is a precondition for sexual revolution

Question 7

Notes about the Chicago women’s liberation front?

Answer 7

Founded 1969, led socialist movements in USA. Commited to two pronged attack upon patriarchy.
1st- power distributed evenly amongst society so that when w/c women would benefit
2nd-change in culture, notably in education for women