A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What does Marxist feminism argue regarding women's exploitation?

1. Only through the legal system

2. Through both capitalism and patriarchy

3. Exclusively in the domestic sphere

4. Primarily through education

The correct answer is: Through both capitalism and patriarchy

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.