But you Communists would introduce community of women…
““But you Communists would introduce community of women, screams the whole bourgeoisie in union. The bourgeois sees in his wife a mere instrument of production. He hears that the instruments of production are to be exploited in common, and, naturally, can come to no other conclusion than that the lot of being common to all will likewise fall to women. He has not even a suspicion that the real point aimed at is to do away with the status of women as mere instruments of production.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Marx argues that capitalist men view wives as tools for labor, fearing that communal ownership will also diminish women's status as mere instruments.
In simple terms: Capitalists fear communal ownership will reduce women to tools.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect women's autonomy beyond economic roles.
Themes
gender
economics
power
class
family
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- labor negotiations
- family planning
- policy reform
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Marxist theory
feminist critique
social relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How does economic structure shape gender roles?
- Can communal ownership ever truly equalize gender power?
A Different Perspective
Marx's view may overlook individual agency and cultural variations.