Social Reproduction Theory

This insightful collection, Social Reproduction Theory, examines how various social factors influence our lives under capitalism, revealing critical insights for activism.

How do childcare, healthcare, education, family life, and the roles of gender, race, and sexuality shape our experiences under capitalism? Social Reproduction Theory addresses these critical questions through a groundbreaking collection of essays that delve into the complexities of social reproduction. While traditional Marxist analysis often emphasizes the productive economy, this book shifts focus to the essential aspects of daily life that contribute to both economic exploitation and social oppression.

The contributors, including prominent thinkers like Lise Vogel, Nancy Fraser, David McNally, and Susan Ferguson, explore the various forms of reproductive labor that take place in households, schools, hospitals, and prisons. These forms of labor are not merely supportive; they are integral to the capitalist drive for accumulation. By examining the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality, Social Reproduction Theory offers a nuanced understanding of how these factors interplay in our lives and contribute to systemic inequality.

Moreover, this collection presents a sophisticated alternative to intersectionality, providing strategic insights for anti-capitalists, anti-racists, and feminists. The essays encourage readers to rethink their approaches to activism and solidarity in an increasingly complex world. Together, they highlight the importance of recognizing social reproduction as a vital component of any movement aimed at challenging the status quo.