From the introduction: It is striking that just when women are becoming an increasingly important part of the paid work force (43% in the U.S.),1 theoretical debate has centered on their work within the family. Some of the discussion of women's domestic labor seems shockingly out of touch with the dramatic change in their working lives. This lack of awareness is evident in reference
to domestic labor as "women's work." Nevertheless, as many feminists have vigorously argued, women's lives are still dominated by their role in the family, even when they are also wage workers. The question arises as to whether and how far this fact can change. Can women be integrated into the work force on an equal basis with men? What impact would equality in the work force have on their role in the family? Can the family be eliminated under capitalism?
Holmstrom, Nancy. “Women’s Work”, the Family and Capitalism
1981, Science & Society 45(2): 186–211
Added by: Clotilde Torregrossa
Abstract:
Comment: A key text for a discussion on capitalism and feminism, which could be included in an introductory course on Feminist Philosophy, or as background on a more advanced course alongside some more contemporary texts on the debate (e.g. Holmstrom and Cudd, Capitalism, for and Against: A Feminist Debate). Holmstrom provides some exegesis on Marx, so little background knowledge on the topic is required. The text is on the longer side (27 pages), so perhaps better suited to a seminar rather than a lecture.