Antagonism Quote by Friedrich Engels
“The first class opposition that appears in history coincides with the development of the antagonism between man and woman in monogamous marriage, and the first class oppression coincides with that of the female sex by the male.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Condition of the Working Class in England, 1845
Engels argues that class conflict began with monogamous marriage, linking women's oppression to the rise of class oppression.
In simple terms: Class conflict started with marriage and women's oppression.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how gender relations shape class structures.
Themes
class
gender
oppression
history
marriage
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- labor movements
- feminist activism
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
Patriarchy
materialism
social theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does marriage influence class structures?
- Can gender oppression exist without class oppression?
A Different Perspective
Critics say this view oversimplifies complex social dynamics.
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