Zum Widerspruch zwischen Akkumulation und der Reproduktion von Leben: Social Reproduction Theory als umfassende Analyse kapitalistischer Gesellschaften?

Irina Herb; Sarah Uhlmann

doi:10.32387/prokla.v54i214.2107

Authors

Irina Herb Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8659-1213
Sarah Uhlmann Universität Kassel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4595-3716

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v54i214.2107

Keywords:

Class Struggle, Domestic Labour Debate, Racism, Social Reproduction

Abstract

Social Reproduction Theory (SRT) is one of the virulent materialist-feminist currents. Against the background of a primarily critical reception in Germany, we discuss three assumptions of SRT to show that it is a promising unitary theory of capitalistic societies: Firstly, SRT does not set »women’s work«, but »social reproduction« as its analytical starting point. Secondly, SRT conceptualises reproductive labour which does not directly contribute to the production of surplus value, as unproductive. Thirdly, oppression is viewed as structurally linked to capitalist production. These assumptions come with strategic consequences, which we discuss in the context of class struggles.

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