A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Marxist feminism posits that women's exploitation is deeply intertwined with both capitalism and patriarchy. This theoretical perspective emphasizes that capitalism perpetuates women's subordination by exploiting their labor in both paid and unpaid forms, such as domestic work. Marxist feminists argue that the capitalist system relies on the free labor of women to reproduce the workforce and maintain the household, which is often unrecognized and undervalued within society. Furthermore, patriarchy is seen as an integral part of this exploitation, as it reinforces gender roles and maintains male dominance, thus restricting women's economic independence and reinforcing their subordinate status.

This dual focus on capitalism and patriarchy is what distinguishes Marxist feminism from other feminist theories that may emphasize either economic or social structures in isolation. By addressing both systems, Marxist feminists advocate for a comprehensive understanding of women's oppression and exploitation.

The other options tend to narrow the scope of exploitation to singular areas, neglecting the intersectionality that is crucial to the Marxist feminist perspective.