Social Reproduction

Social Reproduction

 

What is the connection between gender and class? Why must socialists be feminists, and feminists be socialists? What does socialist feminist struggle look like? To answer these questions, we look to social reproduction theory.

The question of social reproduction is the question of how workers are “reproduced” in order to keep capitalism surging along. Many humans—especially women—spend much of their time in the (often unrecognized) work of social reproduction. But this work is also a rich terrain for struggle! Come study the feminist Marxist concept of social reproduction with us, and think through how this concept can help us make larger demands for a better society. This time we’ll pay special attention to the ways the covid-19 pandemic is pushing questions of social reproduction to the forefront of the global consciousness.

The session will be led by Amanda Huron, associate professor of interdisciplinary social sciences at the University of the District of Columbia and author of Carving Out the Commons: Tenant Organizing and Housing Cooperatives in Washington, D.C.

Below, you will find a recommended reading list.

illustration of lightning bolt striking a rose on top of U.S. Capitol Building
illustration of lightning bolt striking a rose on top of U.S. Capitol Building
illustration of lightning bolt striking a rose on top of U.S. Capitol Building