Social Reproduction Theory and the Socialist Horizon: Work, Power and Political Strategy

How can we use Social Reproduction Theory to inform political strategy?

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2020
Publisher: Pluto Press

Introduction:
Social Reproduction Theory (SRT) is a framework that provides a comprehensive understanding of the social harms inflicted upon us. It integrates the theoretical underpinnings of Marxist theory with insights from feminist and critical race theory to analyze the dynamics of social inequality and oppression. By examining the productive and reproductive spheres, SRT sheds light on the ways in which identity-based oppression and class exploitation intersect and contribute to social injustice.
Theoretical Foundations:
SRT draws upon the works of Marx, Engels, and Lenin to analyze the relationship between capitalism and social reproduction. It emphasizes the importance of the productive sphere, which encompasses the production of goods and services, as well as the reproductive sphere, which encompasses the care of children, the elderly, and the sick. SRT argues that the capitalist mode of production is based on the exploitation of labor and the extraction of surplus value from the workers. This exploitation is not only economic but also social, as it reinforces gender, racial, and other forms of oppression.
Identity-Based Oppression and Class Exploitation:
SRT recognizes that identity-based oppression and class exploitation are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Identity-based oppression refers to the systematic discrimination and marginalization of individuals based on their race, gender, sexuality, religion, or other aspects of their identity. This oppression is not only experienced in the workplace but also in other spheres of life, such as education, healthcare, and housing. Class exploitation, on the other hand, refers to the unequal distribution of resources and power between different social classes. This exploitation is not only economic but also political, as it reinforces the dominance of certain groups over others.
Socialist Politics and Strategy:
SRT offers a powerful framework for socialist politics and strategy. It emphasizes the need to challenge the dominant ideology of capitalism and to build a socialist movement that is capable of challenging the power of capitalists and building a more just and equitable society. SRT suggests that we can use SRT to motivate socialist politics and strategy by recognizing the distinct forms of social domination that exist and by developing a political program that addresses these forms of domination.
Recent Struggles and the Potential of SRT:
Recent struggles, such as the International Women's Strike and the teachers' strikes, have demonstrated the potential of SRT to motivate socialist politics and strategy. These struggles have highlighted the ways in which identity-based oppression and class exploitation intersect and contribute to social injustice. By using SRT to analyze these struggles, we can gain insights into how we can use SRT to inform our struggles and affect societal change under capitalism.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, SRT provides a powerful framework for understanding the social harms inflicted upon us and for developing socialist politics and strategy. By integrating our understanding of productive and reproductive spheres and exploring the connection between identity-based oppression and class exploitation, SRT has the potential to motivate socialist politics and strategy and to build a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745340531