Reading ‘Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism’ by Kristen Ghodsee
I finished reading this book just as my feed exploded with opinions about the change in minimum marital age and the gender neutral-uniform to be introduced in Kerala schools, both bearing the labels of somehow empowering women. But only if bringing out gender equality through such one-size-fits-all uncompromising and unnuanced laws and directives were that easy.
Let’s talk about ‘Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism’. Ghodsee draws upon her years of researching women in countries that transitioned from state socialism to capitalism to argue capitalism is, in fact, the enemy of what it purports to champion, “the idea of having it all”!
Under socialism, and when done right, women can experience economic independence and better labour conditions and better work-life balance. Who wouldn’t want those as opposed to gender wage gaps and reinforced gender stereotypes that impose the double burden of being caregivers women experience in the current economic system?
Ghodsee’s book brilliantly reveals why the triumph of capitalism is a calamity for women. The book is not an argument for bringing the very ideas of state socialism in the Soviet Bloc, but a finespun discussion of how Eastern European countries during their socialism period had policies that improved women’s lives better both in public and private spheres. It covers a range of topics related to feminism and socialism, not just sex. It talks about work, motherhood, leadership, the electoral system, citizenship.
The book is definitely a primer on economics, socialism, capitalism and how it affects women. It is not intensely academic at all; I feel it is written in a way accessible to anyone interested in the subject.
To come back to the discussion on recent laws, women will be trapped within the confines of the family unless women gain control of their sexuality and the looming fears of financial dependence are countered with better education and employment opportunities. No superficial laws that don’t address the real issues will be enough. Create policies and infrastructure that demonstrate the commitment to women’s rights. Social media posts about sharing child care and housework in the family are not enough. Bring in affordable, quality child care, provide access to health care, legislate on mandatory parental leaves, and build community centres and public spaces that enable women to extend their lives outside private spheres. That’s how you work towards gender equality.
