The word ‘capitalism’ conjures up both good and bad images for us. We think about economic freedom, efficient production, and economic growth. A few negative aspects of capitalism that come to mind are its role in supporting major income gaps, causing class conflict, and fostering social inequalities. Or at least these are the things that come to my mind when I think about capitalism. My point is that capitalism is famous for contributing to these effects. However, one of its lesser-known effects is the way capitalism supports patriarchal norms. Considering women are often invisible in patriarchal capitalism, it’s unsurprising that this major aspect of capitalism is ignored. We live in a capitalist-driven patriarchal society, but how often do we stop and consider what that really means and the impact it has on the lives of women?
Recently, a friend of mine found out she was having a baby girl. She was a bit disappointed because she was hoping for a boy. Her sentiment was inspired by the fact that she thought men’s lives were more hopeful, with a wider range of opportunities available to them. She explained that she didn’t hold any notions of boys being better than girls, just that this is a man’s world, and she wants her children’s lives to be easier than her own. After being raised by a single mom and becoming a single mom of two girls herself, she has a unique perspective on the difficulties women face in our society.
Even though feminists and women have made progress, the job is not done yet. Women are more likely to face domestic violence, and their jobs are frequently underpaid, among many more issues. Women and men are not equal and gender equality will not be achieved until the relationship between capitalism and patriarchy is severed. The system that oppresses women must be broken to begin fixing all that is wrong. Capitalism reinforces patriarchal norms by propagating ideas of what jobs are adequate for women. The result is the sexual division of labor, women get low-paying jobs and do jobs that are deemed appropriate to them. Women are often labeled nurturers, so they are cast into jobs like social workers, teachers, healthcare workers, homemakers, etc. The problem lies in that these jobs despite their importance are undervalued because they are largely done by women. Why is that often the case? Because capitalism and patriarchy establish a hierarchy and assign women to the bottom. That is why even important jobs are paid little if they are jobs done primarily by women.
Considering women are often invisible in patriarchal capitalism, it’s not surprising that this major aspect of capitalism is ignored. A close relationship has always existed between capitalism and patriarchy. Consequently, women’s work has been undervalued and largely invisible; thus, contributing to their oppression. This brings us to ask ourselves, what should we or can we do? Why should anyone care? If you are a woman, a mother, grandmother, father, grandfather, a family member, friend, etc. This issue touches the lives of everyone. It is our job as members of our society to bring light to women’s systemic oppression. If we continue to overlook the problem, it will only continue to thrive and women will continue to pay the consequences. Making the world a better place for future generations is a goal we should all work towards. Bringing attention to these large issues is a large component of creating social change and bettering women’s lives everywhere.