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Marxist Feminism

Argue that gender inequality arises primarily from the nature of capitalist society,
rather than from an independent system of patriarchy. Capitalism intensifies
patriarchal inequalities in pursuit of its own interests. Women are:

cheap labour force

reserve army of labour who can be sacked and returned home during periods of
economic recession and re-employed during times of economic prosperity
free labour in the form of unpaid domestic labour and childcare at no cost
expressive role - to absorb the mans anger and frustration at exploitation from
work, thus keeping capitalism stable (w/class women suffer the greatest degree
of subordination).

Capitalism is the root cause of inequality so improving women's position in society

involoves fundamental changes in capitalism and class inequality.

ANSLEY - women are 'takers of sh*t'

BARRETT - ideology of society teaches women they want to be housewives and
mothers, need to change ideology as well as capitalism.