Key Takeaways
1. Capitalism disproportionately harms women's economic autonomy
Unregulated capitalism is bad for women, and if we adopt some ideas from socialism, women will have better lives.
Competitive labor markets discriminate against those whose reproductive biology makes them primarily responsible for childbearing. Women face higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and economic deprivation globally. They are often the last to be hired and first to be fired, and when employed, are paid less than men.
Unpaid care work subsidizes capitalism. When states slash spending on education, healthcare, and pensions, women must pick up the slack by diverting their energies to care for the young, sick, and elderly. This unpaid labor supports lower taxes, allowing higher profits for those already at the top of the income ladder - mostly men.
Gender pay gaps persist even as women make up the majority of college graduates in many advanced capitalist countries. Despite their education and experience, women still face barriers to top positions in government and business. Over 40 years of activism has done little to break the male stranglehold on political and economic power.
2. Socialist policies can promote gender equality and women's independence
State socialist governments reduced women's economic dependence on men by making men and women equal recipients of services from the socialist state.
Women's emancipation was fundamental to socialist ideology from its inception. Early theorists like August Bebel argued that women's liberation required their full incorporation into the labor force in societies where workers collectively owned productive infrastructure.
State socialist countries implemented policies to support women's economic independence:
- Guaranteeing employment for women
- Investing in women's education and training
- Promoting women in male-dominated professions
- Socializing domestic work and childcare through public services
- Providing extended, job-protected maternity leaves and child benefits
These policies improved women's lives in tangible ways. Maternal and infant mortality declined, life expectancy increased, and illiteracy was nearly eliminated. By decoupling love and intimacy from economic considerations, women had no economic reason to stay in abusive or unfulfilling relationships.
3. State socialism's legacy offers lessons for improving women's lives today
To move forward, we must be able to discuss the past with no ideologically motivated attempts to whitewash or blackwash either our own history or the accomplishments of state socialism.
State socialism had serious flaws, including suppression of political freedoms and economic inefficiencies. However, its policies on women's rights provide valuable lessons for advancing gender equality today.
Key policies that could be adapted include:
- Expanding public employment opportunities for women
- Providing high-quality, subsidized childcare
- Guaranteeing paid parental leave with incentives for fathers to take it
- Implementing leadership diversity quotas
- Creating universal healthcare systems
- Reducing costs of higher education
These policies would increase women's autonomy by providing more economic security and opportunities outside the home. A stronger social safety net would allow women greater freedom in their personal and professional choices.
4. Women's leadership remains limited by persistent gender stereotypes
Choose your data source, and you find the same story. Unemployment and poverty plague women with children. Employers discriminate against women without children because they might have them in the future.
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in top leadership positions across government and business. In the U.S. in 2016, women held only 21% of board seats and 11% of top earner positions in Fortune 500 companies.
Quotas have proven effective in increasing women's representation when properly enforced. Countries with strict quotas like Norway (42%), Iceland (44%), and France (36%) have significantly higher percentages of women on corporate boards compared to those without.
Stereotypes about women leaders persist. Studies show that both men and women feel uncomfortable with women in power, viewing strong and competent women as less feminine or unpleasant. Changing these deep-seated attitudes requires exposing people to more women in leadership roles from an early age.
5. Economic independence allows women greater freedom in relationships
When women enjoy their own sources of income, and the state guarantees social security in old age, illness, and disability, women have no economic reason to stay in abusive, unfulfilling, or otherwise unhealthy relationships.
Financial autonomy grants women more choice in their personal lives. When basic needs are met through one's own income or state support, women are not forced to rely on male partners for economic security.
This independence reshapes relationship dynamics. Women can choose partners based on compatibility and mutual affection rather than financial considerations. They have more power to leave unsatisfying relationships without risking poverty.
However, economic pressures still influence many women's choices. In the absence of strong social safety nets, some women feel compelled to stay with partners who provide financial stability, even in unhealthy situations. Others may pursue relationships strategically for economic gain, as seen in the rise of "sugar dating" arrangements.
6. Sexual satisfaction may be higher in more egalitarian societies
The main concern in the East was to show citizens that socialism provided the best conditions for lasting happiness and love.
Research from former socialist countries suggests that more egalitarian economic systems may correlate with greater sexual satisfaction, especially for women. Studies in East Germany found higher rates of female orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction compared to West Germany.
Factors potentially contributing to this include:
- Women's economic independence reducing transactional elements in relationships
- Less pressure on men to be sole breadwinners
- More equitable division of domestic labor
- State support for childcare allowing more energy for intimacy
- Less commercialization of sexuality
However, these findings are complex. State socialist countries also had drawbacks like housing shortages limiting privacy. The studies may reflect ideological motivations to prove socialism's superiority. Nonetheless, they raise interesting questions about how economic systems shape intimate relationships.
7. Young women voters have the power to reshape society through democratic action
If young women don't get wise and start going to the polls to vote in their own long-term economic and political interests, they will have little power to reverse the inevitable social upheavals the future has in store.
Millennial and Gen Z voters now outnumber Baby Boomers in the U.S. electorate. By 2020, millennial voters will have huge electoral influence if they turn out to vote. Young voters, especially women, tend to favor more progressive policies.
Key issues that could mobilize young women voters:
- Expanding public employment
- Providing high-quality subsidized childcare
- Guaranteeing paid parental leave
- Implementing leadership diversity quotas
- Creating universal healthcare
- Reducing higher education costs
Beyond voting, young people can effect change by educating themselves on political theory, engaging in local organizing, and pushing back against the commodification of human relationships under capitalism. By reclaiming their time, energy, and self-worth from reductive market logic, women can establish greater "affective sovereignty" over their emotional lives.
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FAQ
What's "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" about?
- Exploration of Socialism's Impact: The book explores how socialism, particularly in Eastern Europe, provided women with better economic independence, which in turn led to more fulfilling personal and sexual lives.
- Comparison with Capitalism: It contrasts the experiences of women under socialism with those in capitalist societies, highlighting how unregulated capitalism can be detrimental to women's rights and well-being.
- Historical and Theoretical Analysis: The author, Kristen R. Ghodsee, uses historical examples and socialist feminist theories to argue for the benefits of socialist policies for women.
- Focus on Economic Independence: A central theme is the argument that economic independence under socialism leads to better labor conditions, work/family balance, and even better sex for women.
Why should I read "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Unique Perspective: The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of gender, economics, and politics, challenging conventional views on capitalism and socialism.
- Empirical Evidence: Kristen R. Ghodsee provides empirical evidence and historical analysis to support her arguments, making it a well-researched and informative read.
- Relevance to Current Debates: The book is relevant to current debates on gender equality, economic systems, and the role of government in ensuring social welfare.
- Engaging Writing Style: Ghodsee's engaging writing style makes complex theories accessible to a general audience, encouraging readers to think critically about societal structures.
What are the key takeaways of "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Economic Independence Benefits: Economic independence under socialism leads to better work conditions, family balance, and personal relationships for women.
- Critique of Capitalism: The book critiques unregulated capitalism for perpetuating gender inequality and economic dependence on men.
- Historical Lessons: It emphasizes learning from the successes and failures of 20th-century state socialism to inform current and future policies.
- Intersection of Feminism and Socialism: The book highlights the importance of integrating feminist perspectives into socialist policies to achieve true gender equality.
How does Kristen R. Ghodsee support her arguments in "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Historical Examples: Ghodsee uses historical examples from Eastern Europe to illustrate how socialist policies benefited women.
- Empirical Research: The book draws on over twenty years of research, including interviews, archival work, and ethnographic fieldwork.
- Comparative Analysis: It compares the experiences of women under socialism with those in capitalist societies to highlight differences in economic and social outcomes.
- Theoretical Frameworks: Ghodsee incorporates socialist feminist theories to provide a nuanced understanding of gender and economic systems.
What are the best quotes from "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" and what do they mean?
- "Unregulated capitalism is bad for women...": This quote encapsulates the book's central argument that capitalism, without checks and balances, disproportionately harms women.
- "Socialism leads to economic independence...": It highlights the benefits of socialist policies in providing women with the freedom to make personal and professional choices.
- "The political is personal...": This quote underscores the interconnectedness of personal relationships and broader economic and political systems.
- "Freedom is always and exclusively freedom for the one who thinks differently.": A nod to Rosa Luxemburg, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in political discourse.
How does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" address the concept of economic independence?
- Central Theme: Economic independence is a central theme, with the book arguing that it is crucial for women's empowerment and better personal relationships.
- Socialist Policies: The book discusses how socialist policies, such as guaranteed employment and social safety nets, support women's economic independence.
- Contrast with Capitalism: It contrasts this with capitalism, where women often face economic dependence on men due to wage gaps and lack of social support.
- Impact on Relationships: Economic independence allows women to engage in relationships based on mutual affection rather than economic necessity.
What historical examples does Kristen R. Ghodsee use in "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Eastern Europe: Ghodsee uses examples from Eastern European countries like East Germany, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union to illustrate her points.
- Women's Labor Force Participation: She highlights how these countries promoted women's labor force participation and provided social services to support working mothers.
- Sexual Satisfaction Studies: The book references studies from East Germany showing higher levels of sexual satisfaction among women compared to their Western counterparts.
- Post-1989 Changes: Ghodsee discusses the impact of the transition to capitalism in Eastern Europe on women's rights and economic independence.
How does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" critique capitalism?
- Gender Inequality: The book critiques capitalism for perpetuating gender inequality through wage gaps and economic dependence on men.
- Commodification of Relationships: It argues that capitalism commodifies personal relationships, reducing them to economic transactions.
- Lack of Social Support: Ghodsee highlights the lack of social safety nets in capitalist societies, which disproportionately affects women.
- Historical Context: The book provides historical context to show how capitalism has failed to address the needs of women compared to socialist policies.
What role does feminism play in "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Intersection with Socialism: Feminism is intertwined with socialism in the book, advocating for policies that promote gender equality and women's rights.
- Critique of Patriarchy: The book critiques patriarchal structures within both capitalist and socialist systems, emphasizing the need for feminist perspectives.
- Empowerment through Policies: Ghodsee argues that feminist policies, such as paid maternity leave and affordable childcare, are essential for women's empowerment.
- Historical Feminist Theories: The book draws on historical feminist theories to support its arguments for integrating feminism into socialist policies.
How does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" address the concept of sexual satisfaction?
- Economic Independence Link: The book links sexual satisfaction to economic independence, arguing that women in socialist societies experience more fulfilling relationships.
- Studies and Surveys: Ghodsee references studies from Eastern Europe showing higher levels of sexual satisfaction among women compared to capitalist societies.
- Critique of Sexual Economics Theory: The book critiques the idea that sex is a commodity, arguing for relationships based on mutual affection and equality.
- Impact of Social Policies: It highlights how social policies, such as access to healthcare and education, contribute to better sexual satisfaction.
What lessons does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" offer for current and future policies?
- Learning from History: The book emphasizes the importance of learning from the successes and failures of 20th-century state socialism.
- Integrating Feminism: It advocates for integrating feminist perspectives into socialist policies to achieve true gender equality.
- Policy Recommendations: Ghodsee suggests policies such as universal healthcare, paid parental leave, and affordable childcare to support women's rights.
- Challenging Capitalism: The book encourages readers to challenge the status quo of capitalism and consider alternative economic systems that prioritize social welfare.
How does Kristen R. Ghodsee use empirical evidence in "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Research-Based Arguments: Ghodsee's arguments are grounded in over twenty years of research, including interviews, archival work, and ethnographic fieldwork.
- Historical Examples: The book uses historical examples from Eastern Europe to illustrate the benefits of socialist policies for women.
- Comparative Studies: It references comparative studies on sexual satisfaction and economic independence to support its claims.
- Data-Driven Analysis: Ghodsee provides a data-driven analysis of the impact of economic systems on women's rights and well-being.
Review Summary
Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism received mixed reviews. Many praised its accessible writing and thought-provoking arguments about women's economic independence. Readers appreciated the historical examples and data supporting the benefits of socialist policies for women. However, some criticized the author's interpretation of facts, finding it overly simplistic or biased. Critics argued that the book romanticized life under socialism and failed to fully address its downsides. Despite disagreements, most found the book engaging and a valuable contribution to discussions on feminism and economic systems.
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