Women’s Struggle and Class Struggle

[JBeukema]

One hundred years ago today, 99 women from 17 different countries attended the Socialist Women's Conference held in Copenhagen in the House of the People. In this first part, we look at the origins of Women's Day, the origin of women's oppression in class society, how capitalism lays the material foundations upon which the question of women's emancipation can be tackled as part of the struggle of the working class for the emancipation of the whole of humanity from class oppression.

Women's struggle and class struggle- Part One

Biological differences between the sexes are often raised to justify all kinds of reactionary concepts, such as supposed differences in intelligence. These are also used to justify confining women to the four walls of the home, as if this were somehow biologically inbuilt. In reality, these ideas reflect material forces that have emerged as a result of the development of class society, where one class oppresses another.

Women’s struggle and class struggle – Part Two

Should women separate themselves from the labour movement or should they be an essential part of it in struggling for their rights? Any attempt to divide trade unionists and workers in general according to gender is reactionary and plays into hands of the bosses. Experience itself shows that once women start to organise in the workplace and fight for their rights, this cuts across divisions, unites men and women workers and strengthens both the position of women and the working class as a whole.

Women’s struggle and class struggle – Part Three

 

[sparky]

some quick history>

Women's Rights Movement in the U.S.: Timeline of Events (1980-Present) — Infoplease.com

 

[G.T.]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

 

[plt42]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

I must agree with your assessment of this situation which has helped to creat this economy in which we find ourselves... that is the "necessity" of a two income society, especially when children are involved. I, too, support womens equality and rights BUT in raising a family, are two incomes really necessary? With birth control being readily available, having children is a choice. Making that choice, lifestyle changes and sacrifice are a given. ... Do you really need that second car with its insurance and operating costs? Do you need that upscale home, that iPhone, a TV in every room, multiple cr.cds., etc.? How much does that second job cost?... childcare, wardrobe, transportation?

The answers are up to the individual but, fact is, the answer is choosing to raise a family or having material possessions. Its my opinion, FWIW, that the right choices could work for a one income family. I know... it sounds rather "Father Knows Best" and "Donna Reed" like but... it is what it is.

 

[G.T.]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

I must agree with your assessment of this situation which has helped to creat this economy in which we find ourselves... that is the "necessity" of a two income society, especially when children are involved. I, too, support womens equality and rights BUT in raising a family, are two incomes really necessary? With birth control being readily available, having children is a choice. Making that choice, lifestyle changes and sacrifice are a given. ... Do you really need that second car with its insurance and operating costs? Do you need that upscale home, that iPhone, a TV in every room, multiple cr.cds., etc.? How much does that second job cost?... childcare, wardrobe, transportation?

The answers are up to the individual but, fact is, the answer is choosing to raise a family or having material possessions. Its my opinion, FWIW, that the right choices could work for a one income family. I know... it sounds rather "Father Knows Best" and "Donna Reed" like but... it is what it is.

n'aw, I actually would have to agree after a second thought. strong post,

 

[Big Black Dog]

I hate it when women struggle... especially when I am trying to get their clothes off.

 

[Soggy in NOLA]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

They ARE very real and tragic side effects.

Was it worth it? I dunno.

 

[Anachronism]

Was it worth it? I dunno.

I would suggest that's a definite NO in my mind; but then again I see the world in a very different way than most other people do.

 

[JBeukema]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

Wait, so you're claiming that it was women's equality that was behind the growing wealth gap and the decline of the average household's purchasing power?

 

[G.T.]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

Wait, so you're claiming that it was women's equality that was behind the growing wealth gap and the decline of the average household's purchasing power?

No. I'm claiming that supply and demand, once women were immersed into the workforce, caused inflationary terms which realized a *need* for duel income where there wasn't one before. Need in the sense meaning, to sustain your same quality of life.

In other-words, if the work-force doubles, wages necessarily go down.

 

[rightwinger]

I think that once Women sought to achieve equality in the workforce, it hurt the nuclear family in that the middle class suddenly demanded two incomes as dictated by the new economy, and babysitters and such began raising children more-so or equally to the Parents, moms and dads starting fighting/divorcing more, etc etc.

I'd still fight for that right for them, though. Also, this is just my opinion that these things were side effects.

I agree. The housing market seemed to expand to make it so that you now needed two incomes.

My personal observation was that when women entered the workforce in the late 60s and early 70s, the divorce rate skyrocketed. Prior to developing marketable job skills, women married for security. Once married they were trapped because they had no way to support themselves.
Once they were working, it was screw you a-hole....I've had enough of your shit