What made women's labour particularly attractive to the…
“What made women's labour particularly attractive to the capitalists was not only its lower price but also the greater submissiveness of women. The capitalists speculate on the two following factors: the female worker must be paid as poorly as possible and the competition of female labour must be employed to lower the wages of male workers as much as possible. In the same manner the capitalists use child labour to depress women's wages and the work of machines to depress all human labour.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Capitalists exploit women’s labor for lower costs and to undermine male wages, using both gender and age to suppress overall labor value.
In simple terms: Capitalists pay women less and use them to push down wages for everyone.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge wage discrimination.
Themes
labor exploitation
gender inequality
capitalism
wage suppression
intersectionality
Mood
critical
determined
hopeful
Type
analytical
call to action
When to use this quote
- union organizing
- policy advocacy
- consumer boycotts
- fair trade certification
- education on wage rights
Key Concepts
Marxist feminism
economic exploitation
labor market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can labor laws better protect gender‑based wage gaps?
- What role does consumer awareness play in reducing exploitative practices?
A Different Perspective
Women may also face higher expectations of compliance, limiting bargaining power.