102179 Theories of the Social: Marxism and Feminist Theory Essay

This essay provides an overview of Marxism and feminist theory within the context of social theories. It begins by explaining Marxism, highlighting its focus on the struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, and the impact of socio-economic differences on society. The concept of dialecticism is also discussed, emphasizing the constant struggle for power. The essay then transitions to feminist theory, linking it to Marxism and conflict theory, and exploring the inequality between men and women as a social construct. It touches upon the history of feminism, dividing it into three waves, each addressing different aspects of inequality. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding these theories for analyzing social phenomena.

Running head: THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
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1THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
Topic 1: Marxism and beyond
One of the social theories that cannot be missed while discussing in regard to social
theories is Marxism. Marxism is a body of doctrine that was developed by the German
philosopher and economist Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels during the 19th century. Marxism is
the philosophy that analyses the consequences of capitalism on labors, productivity and
economic development. The struggle between social classes is posited by Marxism specifically
between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, also known as capitalists and workers (Lichtheim,
2015).
According to Marxists, socio-economic differences among people have a significant way
of impacting society. The difference in socioeconomic class divides people in a more substantial
way than race, religion, ethnicity, gender and geography. The two groups are in a constant
struggle for resources and power. Society is perceived as a set of groups competing for resources
and power. Since the capitalists are socially and politically powerful, the power mainly relies on
them leaving the workers poor and depended on the capitalists. It is a power struggle between the
owners of the capital and the labor (Fromm & Anderson, 2017). Every social and political
activity is for gaining and sustaining the economic power that comes along with social power as
well. Dialecticism is an associated term that explains that everything has two sides and the
centrality of contradiction and reality is the idea of contradiction. While the powerful group
struggles to sustain their power in the society with oppression and exploitation, another group
struggles to get the economic power to survive in the society with revolutions.

2THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
Topic 2: Feminist theory
The concept of feminist theory is certainly associated with Marxism, more specifically
with the conflict theory. Feminist theory is an extension of feminism. The feminist theory seeks
to understand the inequality between men and women and reduce it. Capitalism has a significant
role in the oppression and exploitation of women’s labor including domestic labor. The
inequality between men and women is a social construct phenomenon where the phenomenon
has not automatically evolved but created through social interactions (Luxton, 2015).
Feminism has a long history of women fighting for equality for an extended period since
19th century. The history of contemporary feminism can be seen in three waves. The first wave
was focused on legal issues such as the right to vote and property right. The second wave of
feminism was a fight for equality on a broader set of issues such as sexuality, reproductive rights,
marital rape and work and domestic violence. The third wave is characterized by inclusiveness
and intersectionality. It is a global movement focus on autonomous choices as a form of
liberation and not internalized oppression (Collins, 2016).

3THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
References:
Collins, P. H. (2016). Shifting the center: Race, class, and feminist theorizing about motherhood.
In Mothering (pp. 45-65). Routledge.
Fromm, E., & Anderson, L. A. (2017). The sane society. Routledge.
Lichtheim, G. (2015). Marxism (RLE Marxism): An Historical and Critical Study
Luxton, M. (2015). Reclaiming Marxist Feminism: A Response. Studies in Political
Economy, 95(1), 161-172.