Gilmans Theory and Women in Patriarchy vs. Marxs Theory and Workers in Capitalism - Essay Example

Introduction This is an academic essay written with the aim of exploring two prominent theories of oppression. These are the Marxist theory and Gilman’s theory. Unlike Gilman’s theory, the Marxist worldview transcends over disciplinary discretions catering with various academic fields like political science, economics, sociology, social work, etc. On the other hand, Gilman’s works have been mostly specific toward studying gender inequalities and its causes. Although Gilman claimed to be a humanist, she practically worked extensively to give modern feminism ample sociological grounds (Ritzer 2011; Allen 2009). Research Question Compare and contrast Gilman’s theory as to the oppression of women in patriarchy with Marx’s theory as to how and why workers are oppressed under capitalism. What similarities do you see in their arguments? What are the differences in these two theories of oppression? Gilman’s Theory and Women in Patriarchy Gilman’s most effective and powerful scholarly work in the realm of gender and sexual studies is perhaps her famous book Women and Economics: A Study of the Economic Relation between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution (Gilman 1898). In this work, she has critically utilized Darwinism in a more social constructive way and attempted to explain the intricacies of relationships between man and woman. She raised question about not only the origins of humankind but also about the origins of gender roles, so as to find out that why domestic duties have been specified for women in general in all cultures and societies. She formulated an economic explanation of domestic economy. According to Gilman (1898), traditionally a woman was subjugated to use her sex organs as assets; on which she could further bank to impress her husband and get money to support herself and her children. So marriage is actually an arrangement of both sexual and economic subjugation of women in the male dominated society. Relatively recently, scholars like MacKinnon (1982) also appear to be endorsing a similar perspective by claiming that women’s sexuality is not women’s own. Marx’s Theory and Workers in Capitalism According to Marx, the industrial capitalist society is clearly divided into two classes, where one class controls the means of production and the other class serves as workers. Oppression arises of the fact that the state becomes a managing committee of the holders of the means of production. And in answering the question that why the workers are finally at the loosing side, Marx holds that lack of political organization coupled with powerful capitalist police state is responsible for the fact that the workers are finally at the receiving end of the system. (Brown 2012; MacKinnon 1982) Consequently, the working class is subjugated both politically and economically. The working class has to work hard and produce all the goods and products necessary for modern society. But they are so occupied with their economic plight that they are compelled to tolerate underpayment and injustice. In this way, they are alienated from their produce and the surplus is accumulated by the rich landlords and factory owners. (Ritzer 2011; Brown 2012) Similarities in Arguments Gilman and Marx both give paramount importance to economics. Also, they argue against the conservative order of industrial capitalism by using the concept of alienation. According to Marx, a worker is alienated from the social order and mainstream decision making bodies in the capitalist society because his/her labor is not his/her own. In fact, the labor and the products obtained by that labor is taken away by the capitalists against low wages and no recognition. (Brown 2012) Similarly, Gilman uses the concept of alienation, although somewhat indirectly, to state that female sexuality is not possessed by women. A woman’s sexuality and sex organs are not hers, since her male partner (in most cases, her husband) is controlling them with the help of economic power and traditional customs of the patriarchic society. (Allen 2009) Gilman and Marx both claim that women and men have equal intellectual capability (Brown 2012; Allen 2009). Furthermore, both Gilman and Marx show religious tolerance. Marx believed that religion and its spiritual meaning must be left to an individual’s personal discretion; state must not discriminate on the basis of religion (Brown 2012). On the other hand, Gilman also believed that although religious establishments were responsible for discrimination, religion itself could be equally spiritual for both women and men (Gilman 1923). Differences between the Two Theories In their pioneering works, both Gilman and Marx state the necessity of changing the basic nature of capitalist society. Yet, Marx advocates political union of workers, theory of revolution, and proletarian takeover of state. On the other hand, Gilman’s approach is largely apolitical. If Marxism is made free form Leninist influence and interpretation, then Marxian perspective can be used to instate a social democratic system aimed at diminishing economic inequalities and political injustice. (Ritzer 2011) However, Gilman’s theory does not lead academics and politicians to establish an alternative system with definite political goals. Although Marx claimed to be an advocate of the rights of the working class, his writings have been of considerable value for modern feminists; and scholars like MacKinnon (1982) even attempted to formulate Marxist-Feminist theory of state. On the other hand, despite calling herself a humanist Gilman made little or no contribution to political and organized proletarian movement. She has not focused on the fact that how a man might also be subjected to social injustice due to politico-economic reasons. Conclusion The main similarity between Gilman’s and Marx’s works is that both of them have used the concept of alienation to explain their theories of oppression. However, Gilman extensively studied and heavily focused on the plight of women, while Marx appears to be sensitive toward the plight of men and women both. Marxist labor theory can be further extended to understand the domestic economy, while Gilman’s theory is somewhat constrained within the dynamics of domestic economy only. Yet, Gilman’s contributions are capable of providing scientific basis to the feminist theory and serve as a highly relevant knowledge base even in the contemporary world. References Allen, J.A. (2009). The Feminism of Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Sexualities, Histories, Progressivism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Brown, H.A. (2012). Marx on Gender and Family: A Critical Study. Leiden: Brill Gilman, C.P. (1923). His Religion and Hers: A Study of the Faith of Our Fathers and the Work of Our Mothers. London and New York: Century Co. Gilman, C.P. (1898). Women and Economics: A Study of the Economic Relation between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution. Boston: Small, Maryland & Co. MacKinnon, C.A. (1982). Feminism, Marxism, method and the state: An agenda for theory. Signs 7 (3), 515-544. Ritzer, G. (2011). Sociological Theory. Boston: McGraw-Hill. Read More