Leninism, Stalinism, and the Women's Movement in Britain, 1920-1939

This book explores the relationship between socialism and feminism within the Communist Party of Great Britain from 1920 to 1939, examining its ideology, feminist connections, and women's issues in detail.

Leninism, Stalinism, and the Women's Movement in Britain, 1920-1939 offers an insightful exploration of the relationship between socialism and feminism, focusing on the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) from its inception in 1920 until the onset of the Second World War. The author delves into how the CPGB's ideology shaped its views on women's roles within a socialist framework and examines the party's engagement with the broader feminist movement of the time.

The analysis is structured around four key themes: the CPGB's vision of socialism and the anticipated role of women in a future society, its relationship with feminist movements, its initiatives addressing specific women's issues, and the dynamics of the sexual division of labor within the party. Through these themes, the book reveals the complexities of how socialist principles were applied to gender issues and the impacts these had on women's activism.

Drawing from a rich array of sources, including party publications, reports, and interviews with members, the author provides a comprehensive chronological account of the evolution of the CPGB's stance on feminism throughout the 1920s and 1930s. By defining and contextualizing the socialist and feminist traditions in Britain, the book highlights the interactions between these movements, enriching our understanding of their historical significance and the challenges they faced during this transformative period.