Key Takeaways
1. Women's economic independence is crucial for gender equality
Free markets discriminate against women workers.
Persistent wage gap. Despite progress in women's rights, competitive labor markets continue to disadvantage women, especially mothers. The gender pay gap persists across industries, with women earning less than men for equal work. This economic disparity makes women more vulnerable and dependent on men.
Devaluation of women's work. Society often undervalues traditionally female-dominated professions and unpaid domestic labor. This devaluation extends to perceptions of women's competence in male-dominated fields, creating barriers to entry and advancement.
Public sector importance. Government employment has historically provided more opportunities for women, minorities, and disadvantaged groups. Countries with larger public sectors tend to have greater gender equality in the workforce. Expanding public employment could help reduce discrimination and provide more economic security for women.
2. State socialism provided some benefits for women's rights
Although important differences existed between countries and none achieved full equality in practice, these nations did expend vast resources to invest in women's education and training and to promote them in professions previously dominated by men.
Women in the workforce. State socialist countries actively encouraged and facilitated women's participation in the formal labor force. By 1975, women made up nearly 50% of the workforce in the Soviet Union and over 43% in Eastern Europe, compared to just 37% in North America.
Support for working mothers. Socialist states implemented policies to help women balance work and family responsibilities:
- Extended, job-protected maternity leaves
- Subsidized childcare and kindergartens
- Public laundries and cafeterias to socialize domestic work
Advancement in male-dominated fields. The state promoted women's education and careers in science, technology, and leadership roles. For example, the Soviet Union was the first to send a woman to space with cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova in 1963.
3. Capitalism commodifies women's sexuality and relationships
Capitalism thrives on women's unpaid labor in the home because women's care work supports lower taxes. Lower taxes mean higher profits for those already at the top of the income ladder—mostly men.
Sexual economics theory. This controversial theory proposes that under capitalism, heterosexual relationships function as a marketplace where women exchange sex for resources from men. This commodification of sexuality reinforces gender inequality and economic dependence.
Impact on relationships. The capitalist framework can lead to:
- Transactional views of intimacy and marriage
- Pressure on women to maintain their "market value" through appearance
- Men feeling entitled to sex in exchange for financial support
- Difficulty forming genuine emotional connections
Alternative vision. Socialist thinkers like Alexandra Kollontai argued for relationships based on mutual affection and equality, free from economic coercion. Some research suggests that greater economic equality between partners correlates with higher relationship satisfaction.
4. The collapse of state socialism worsened women's economic status
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, new democratic governments rapidly privatized state assets and dismantled social safety nets. Men under these newly emerging capitalist economies regained their "natural" roles as family patriarchs, and women were expected to return home as mothers and wives supported by their husbands.
Loss of economic independence. The transition to capitalism in Eastern Europe led to:
- Mass unemployment, disproportionately affecting women
- Closure of state-funded childcare facilities
- Pressure for women to return to traditional domestic roles
Resurgence of gender discrimination. Without state protections, many women faced:
- Hiring discrimination based on potential motherhood
- Loss of job security and benefits
- Increased economic dependence on male partners
Long-term consequences. These changes contributed to:
- Declining birth rates as women delayed childbearing
- Increased poverty among single mothers and elderly women
- Growth in sex work and trafficking as economic options narrowed
5. Gender quotas can increase women's representation in leadership
State-mandated quotas for women on the executive boards of corporations and public enterprises have successfully promoted women into leadership positions and are quite doable in the US context.
Proven effectiveness. Countries implementing strict quotas have seen significant increases in women's representation:
- Norway: 40% of board seats held by women (up from 11% in 2007)
- Iceland: 44% female board representation
- France: 36% women on corporate boards
Beyond numbers. Quotas can lead to:
- More diverse perspectives in decision-making
- Improved company performance and profitability
- Increased visibility of female role models
Implementation challenges. Critics argue quotas may:
- Promote under-qualified candidates (though research doesn't support this)
- Face resistance from entrenched power structures
- Require careful design to avoid tokenism
6. Socialist policies improved sexual satisfaction for women
In 1990, another study comparing the sexual attitudes of youth in the two Germanys found that GDR men's and women's preferences were more in sync with each other than those of young men and women in the West.
East German case study. Research showed higher sexual satisfaction among East German women compared to their West German counterparts:
- 75% of East German women reported feeling satisfied after their last sexual encounter vs. only 46% of West German women
- 82% of East German women felt "happy" after sex compared to 52% of West German women
Contributing factors:
- Women's economic independence reduced transactional aspects of relationships
- State-provided childcare and domestic support services
- Cultural emphasis on mutual pleasure and satisfaction
Limitations. While sexual satisfaction was higher, state socialist countries still struggled with:
- Limited public discourse on sexuality
- Lack of sex education and contraceptive access in some areas
- Persistence of traditional gender roles in the home
7. Millennial women have the power to reshape politics and economics
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.
Demographic shift. By 2020, millennial voters will be the largest voting bloc in the U.S., with women making up half of this group. This presents a significant opportunity for political change.
Growing support for progressive policies. Young voters, especially women, increasingly favor:
- Universal healthcare
- Affordable childcare and education
- Stronger social safety nets
- Environmental protections
Potential obstacles:
- Voter suppression efforts
- Political apathy and low turnout
- Misinformation campaigns
Call to action. The author urges young women to:
- Educate themselves on political and economic issues
- Engage in local and national politics
- Vote in their economic self-interest
- Challenge commodification of relationships and emotions
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FAQ
What's "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" about?
- Book Overview: The book by Kristen R. Ghodsee argues that unregulated capitalism is detrimental to women and that adopting socialist ideas can lead to better lives for women, including better sex.
- Economic Independence: It explores how socialism can provide economic independence, better labor conditions, and a healthier work/family balance for women.
- Historical Context: The book examines the experiences of women under state socialism in Eastern Europe and contrasts them with those in capitalist societies.
- Personal and Political: Ghodsee uses historical analysis and personal anecdotes to discuss the intersection of socialism and feminism.
Why should I read "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Unique Perspective: The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of economics, politics, and gender, challenging conventional views on capitalism and socialism.
- Empirical Evidence: Ghodsee provides empirical evidence from her research in Eastern Europe to support her arguments, making it a well-informed read.
- Relevance to Current Issues: The book is timely, addressing contemporary debates about economic systems, gender equality, and personal well-being.
- Engaging Writing: Ghodsee's writing is accessible and engaging, making complex theories understandable for a general audience.
What are the key takeaways of "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Capitalism's Impact on Women: Unregulated capitalism disproportionately harms women, making them economically dependent on men.
- Socialism's Benefits: Socialist policies can lead to economic independence, better work conditions, and more fulfilling personal relationships for women.
- Historical Lessons: The book draws lessons from the experiences of women under state socialism in Eastern Europe, highlighting both successes and failures.
- Call for Change: Ghodsee advocates for adopting certain socialist policies to improve women's lives in capitalist societies today.
How does Kristen R. Ghodsee support her arguments in the book?
- Empirical Research: Ghodsee draws on over twenty years of research, including archival work, interviews, and ethnographic fieldwork in Eastern Europe.
- Historical Analysis: She examines the political and economic transitions from state socialism to capitalism and their impacts on women.
- Comparative Studies: The book includes comparative studies of women's experiences in socialist and capitalist countries.
- Personal Anecdotes: Ghodsee uses personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate her points and make the material relatable.
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 thesis that capitalism, without checks, exacerbates gender inequality.
- "Socialism leads to economic independence": Ghodsee argues that socialist policies can provide women with the financial freedom necessary for personal and professional fulfillment.
- "The political is personal": This reflects the idea that economic systems deeply affect personal relationships and individual well-being.
- "Women didn’t have to marry for money": Under socialism, women’s economic independence allowed them to form relationships based on love rather than financial necessity.
How does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" address the concept of economic independence?
- Economic Autonomy: The book argues that socialism provides women with economic autonomy, reducing their dependence on men.
- State Support: Ghodsee highlights how state-supported services like child care and health care contribute to women's independence.
- Workforce Participation: The book discusses how socialist policies encourage women's full participation in the workforce, offering equal opportunities.
- Impact on Relationships: Economic independence allows women to form more genuine personal relationships, free from financial considerations.
What historical examples does Kristen R. Ghodsee use to illustrate her points?
- Eastern Europe: Ghodsee uses examples from Eastern European countries under state socialism to show how socialist policies benefited women.
- Soviet Union: She discusses the Soviet Union's efforts to incorporate women into the workforce and provide social services.
- Germany: The book contrasts the experiences of women in East and West Germany to highlight the impact of different economic systems.
- Post-1989 Transitions: Ghodsee examines the effects of transitioning from socialism to capitalism on women's lives in Eastern Europe.
How does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" explore the relationship between capitalism and personal relationships?
- Commodification of Relationships: The book argues that capitalism commodifies personal relationships, turning affection into a transactional exchange.
- Sexual Economics Theory: Ghodsee discusses how this theory applies to capitalist societies, where sex is often seen as a commodity.
- Socialist Alternatives: She suggests that socialist policies can lead to more authentic and fulfilling personal relationships.
- Empirical Evidence: The book provides evidence from studies comparing sexual satisfaction in socialist and capitalist countries.
What role does gender play in the arguments presented in "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism"?
- Gender Discrimination: Ghodsee discusses how gender discrimination is exacerbated by capitalist systems, affecting women's economic opportunities.
- Intersectionality: The book acknowledges the intersection of gender with other identities, such as race and class, in shaping women's experiences.
- Gender Roles: Ghodsee examines how socialist policies challenged traditional gender roles, promoting equality in the workforce and at home.
- Feminist Theories: The book draws on feminist theories to critique capitalism and advocate for socialist alternatives.
How does Kristen R. Ghodsee address the criticisms of socialism in her book?
- Balanced View: Ghodsee acknowledges the failures and atrocities of twentieth-century state socialism while highlighting its successes.
- Nuanced Analysis: She provides a nuanced analysis of socialist policies, arguing for their potential benefits in democratic societies.
- Historical Context: The book places socialist experiments in their historical context, examining both their achievements and shortcomings.
- Call for Reform: Ghodsee advocates for reforming capitalism by adopting certain socialist policies, rather than a return to authoritarian socialism.
What solutions does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" propose for improving women's lives?
- Adopting Socialist Policies: Ghodsee suggests adopting policies like universal health care, paid parental leave, and subsidized child care.
- Economic Redistribution: The book advocates for economic redistribution to reduce inequality and support women's independence.
- Workplace Equality: Ghodsee calls for measures to ensure equal pay and opportunities for women in the workforce.
- Political Engagement: The book encourages women to engage politically to advocate for policies that support their rights and well-being.
How does "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism" relate to current political and economic debates?
- Relevance to Today: The book addresses contemporary debates about economic systems, gender equality, and personal well-being.
- Socialist Renaissance: Ghodsee discusses the resurgence of interest in socialist ideas among young people and its implications.
- Critique of Neoliberalism: The book critiques neoliberal policies and their impact on women's lives, advocating for alternatives.
- Call to Action: Ghodsee encourages readers to consider how adopting certain socialist policies could improve society as a whole.
Review Summary
Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism argues that unregulated capitalism disadvantages women economically and socially. Ghodsee presents data comparing socialist and capitalist countries, highlighting benefits like paid maternity leave and economic independence for women under socialism. While some readers found the book thought-provoking and well-researched, others criticized it for oversimplifying complex issues and presenting an overly rosy view of life under socialism. The provocative title sparked interest, but some felt the book's arguments were not fully developed or supported.
About the Author
Other books by Kristen R. Ghodsee
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