Liberal And Marxist Feminist Analysis

During a time when slavery of blacks existed the female population were also seen as slaves. Many women from different backgrounds were being oppressed by males, mainly white males. One major awareness during the civil rights movement was the feminist movement. Feminist sought equality in all areas of life for both men and women. Liberal feminist believe the theory that all individuals are equal in the eyes of God. A persons presumptions of one another should come from an individual’s personal characteristics. Women however had little freedom in all aspects of life. From employment to formal education that also included disadvantages in one’s home and marriage. Wives treated as lesser then their husbands. Although, as time went on women began to become aware of the mistreatment from their male counterpart and started to question their subservient roles that they were becoming accustom and began to fight for equality. In the two essays we will examine the different theories of Liberal and Marxist Feminist.
I will draw from the essay that the Liberal theory taken from "The Declaration of Sentiments" by Elizabeth Stanton demonstrates a theoretical conclusion of oppression. I will argue rather than that of “The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State” written by Friedrich Engels, the Marxist theory fell short of offering a theoretical explanation because Engels’ prescribes for abolishment of property rights and inheritance but does not include ethnic factors in order to show a useful way to understanding women’s oppression from male domination.
Liberal feminist used civic organizational skills to gain awareness of their movement.
By believing that government involvement was crucial for handling social issues. They also understood that community effort was also needed in order for awareness. They would form organizations, take part in rallies, protest and also hold meetings. Yet Liberal Feminist Stanton used political logic and examples to relate to citizens. The Declaration of Sentiment was one of the first writings that paved the way for feminist theory.
The difference between Liberal and Marx Feminist is their analysis on patriarchy. Marxist Feminist were a set of advocates with different beliefs of women’s oppression. They believed that the structure of social class and hierarchies caused oppression. The idea that men produced and contributed goods of value to society as women did not. Which was the primary reason for the inequality of
sexes.
Engels’ essay examines the origin of human history and explains the change from a primitive community evolving into a society based off private property and the pairing family which no longer promotes polygamy but encourages monogamy. Marxist Feminist believe that in order to abolish the inequality of men and women society has to rid of private property. Engels argues that the root of women’s oppression is related to “The overthrow of mother right was the historical defeat of the female sex. The man took command in the house; the women was degraded and reduced to servitude; she became the slave of his lust and a mere instrument for the production of children.” (Engels 1884, 108) Before the abolishment of mother rights women were held at a high status because of the contributions at home but private property has created an increase in wealth which favors the male position and puts them above women.