Homes in Crisis Capitalism: Gender, Work and Revolution

Homes in Crisis Capitalism explores the core social reproduction role of individual households and the class and racial effects of this on gender inequality and discrimination. It argues that prevailing neoliberal social policy relies on marketized services to fill the gap, leading to gender inequality and the double burden of domestic and care work for the majority of women. Competitive labor markets discriminate against primary caregivers, and the housing crisis and soaring inflation have put added pressures on home life. Holborow analyzes homes in crisis capitalism through a Marxist lens and makes the case for a radical break with capitalism to give social reproduction the material resources and social recognition it deserves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Homes in Crisis Capitalism delves into the fundamental societal function of individual households in reproducing social structures, shedding light on the profound class and racial implications that shape gender inequality and discrimination. Despite women's significant presence in the global paid workforce, prevailing neoliberal social policies continue to neglect the provision of adequate state support for child- and elder-care, instead opting for market-driven solutions to fill the gap. It is predominantly women who bear the burden of this undervalued care work, whether in unpaid or paid capacities, perpetuating gender inequality across various societal domains. Official gender parity policies, often framed in terms of equal opportunity, have failed to alleviate the overwhelming double burden of domestic and care work for the vast majority of women. Competitive labor markets further discriminate against individuals expected to assume primary caregiving responsibilities for children, the sick, disabled, and older individuals. Moreover, the widespread occurrence of acute housing crises and soaring inflation has exerted additional pressures on home life, leading to the emergence of a social reproduction crisis. Working-class women and women of color bear the brunt of these consequences.

In examining homes within the context of crisis capitalism, Holborow employs a Marxist lens to analyze the intricate social and political implications of work and care performed within these spaces. This book meticulously charts the interconnected effects and outcomes of the labor and care provided within homes, advocating for a radical departure from capitalism to ensure that social reproduction receives the necessary material resources and social recognition it merits.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350379961