Homes in Crisis Capitalism

This book explains the contemporary sources of women’s oppression while simultaneously placing women and people of colour in the forefront of resistance to capitalist exploitation. It deserves a wide readership. * Brian O’Boyle, Atlantic Technological University, Ireland *
An important contribution to Marxist and feminist theory on how the home contributes to late capitalism. Should be read by anyone who wants to explore why sexism persists when the political elite talk so frequently about ‘equality, diversity and inclusion’. * Kieran Allen, University College Dublin *
Starting from the way the recent experience of pandemic propelled homes into sharp focus, Marnie Holborow goes wider, deeper and longer to examine the complex and ever-evolving realities of the domestic realm. Seeing homes, families and gender roles in their essential relationship to modes of production, she brings the clear light of Marxism to forge a path through what can sometimes be murky and confusing terrain. She examines a wide range of alternative positions and puts forward clear arguments for her own positions. This book is a serious contribution to contemporary conceptualisation of gender and social reproduction as well as political strategies for dealing with the many practical issues arising from that. * Helena Sheehan, Emeritus Professor at Dublin City University, Ireland *
A must-read scholarly but accessible account of the contradictory role of homes and the crisis in care under late capitalism. Drawing on and developing social reproduction theory, Holborow offers insights into political strategies for radical change. * Goretti Horgan, Ulster University, Northern Ireland *
Marnie Holborow’s Homes in Crisis Capitalism is a provocative, urgent book for our times, filled with analysis and insight. Holborow poses important questions about the nature of work, our understanding of ‘home’ and the role of gender oppression within contemporary neoliberal capitalism. Yes capitalism is in crisis, but Holborow points towards a way out, by making a compelling and urgent case for a different conception of care and ‘home’ as part of an alternative vision of society that puts the needs of the most marginalised and vulnerable at its core. This timely book should be essential reading for every person who calls themself a socialist. * Sinéad Kennedy, Maynooth University, Ireland. *
[A] superb analysis of the contemporary relationship between households and capital.... This is a great book … I would recommend its immediate adoption as required reading on any and all courses concerned with the politics or political economy of contemporary society, with Chapter Six as the point of entry. Nothing else offers a better place to start. -- Paul Cammack * What's Worth Reading *
This book is a well written, provocative must read for anyone who is concerned about the relationship between capitalism and the often-hidden burden of social reproductive labour. It is a call to arms in the struggle not just for gender justice but justice for everyone in a global context that is increasingly shaped by egregious levels of inequality. * Camilla Fitzsimons, Associate Professor, Maynooth University *
This book is a trove of invaluable research, well developed in a coherent narrative. From Marx and a reappraised Engels through to the 2008 banking collapse, the ensuing austerity programmes, the Brexit catastrophe and on to the pandemic, Holborow shows clearly the incessant erosion of social values. * Morning Star *