The Communist Manifesto: A Feminist’s Take

               When thinking of feminist texts, one rarely thinks of the famous work by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Communist Manifesto. Although the writings focus on the class struggle of the Bourgeoisie vs the Proletariat, it gives an incredibly interesting insight on the place of women in a capitalist society.

               First, the manifesto focusses on what Marx calls, “the greatest defeat of the female sex.” This is cited as the patriarchal colonial defeat of the native matriarchal cultures. This led to the patriarchal system as we know it. The Manifesto also addresses the woman’s place in the household. In the first few pages, Marx identifies the bourgeoisie as taking any sentimental value from marriage and replacing it as solely a money relation. He writes that in marriage, wives are viewed as nothing more than a producer.

               Although it may seem outlandish, I advise every self-proclaimed feminist to read The Communist Manifesto. This reading not only details the benefits of communism, but more importantly critiques life in capitalist cultures. I recommend reading the manifesto with the mindset of thought, and I suggest analyzing Marx and Engel’s writings as ideas rather than truths. This can reveal a deeper truth of a woman’s place in a capitalist society and how the bourgeoisie has used money and power to oppress women and minorities. I believe this is an essential reading for anyone who is interested in delving deeper in to the economics of being a woman, and their value in a capitalist state. This can help anyone gain insight into how women are treated and valued in the United States and in similar economies.