The focus of this course will be the division of production and reproduction in the capitalist society as the basis for our gendered division of labour, exploring the role of the market, the family and the state. 

Over the course of the reading group, students will engage with materialist feminism from various persepectives. In the first few lectures, we will explore Marxist Feminist origins in the works of Friedrich Engels and Alexandra Kollontai. We will then go on to dive into the debates around class, sexism and race of the 1970s and beyond. We wrap up our reading group with contemporary discussions around feminism and its challenges in the era of neoliberalism. 

Students are expected to read the literature provided. After a short presentation by a student, we will discuss the content with each other, putting things into perspective and trying to find relevant applications today. 

Attendance is compulsory. Excused absences (of max. 20% = two units) are possible.

However, there is also the possibility to attend the course without being graded. If you’re interested, please send an e-mail to vw-zentrum@wu.ac.at.

30% participation 

40% Essay writing

30% presentation/dicussion of a chapter (students will chose one).