a) Marxist Feminism
Marxist Feminism is a theoretical framework that combines Marxist theory with feminist perspectives. It focuses on how capitalism and patriarchy work together to exploit women. According to this approach, women’s unpaid domestic labor supports the capitalist economy by reproducing labor power (workers) at no cost to capitalists. It also argues that women are doubly oppressed — both economically and socially — and that the liberation of women requires the overthrow of capitalist structures along with patriarchal norms. Key scholars include Friedrich Engels and Silvia Federici.
b) Queer Politics
Queer Politics challenges the traditional binary notions of gender and sexuality (male/female, gay/straight). It focuses on dismantling the social norms that marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals and supports the rights of people whose sexual orientation and gender identity do not conform to mainstream expectations. Queer politics is radical, inclusive, and intersectional, emphasizing fluid identities and resisting assimilation into heteronormative systems. It is more than just LGBTQ+ rights — it’s a critique of the entire system that produces inequality and exclusion based on identity.
c) Nayar Women
The Nayar (or Nair) community of Kerala, India, followed a unique matrilineal system called Marumakkathayam. In this system, lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother, and women had a high degree of autonomy. Nayar women traditionally engaged in sambandham relationships — informal unions that did not require cohabitation or paternal responsibility. Children belonged to the mother’s lineage, and the maternal uncle (not the biological father) played a dominant role in their upbringing. The system has now largely declined due to legal and social reforms, but it remains an important case in the study of kinship and gender roles.
d) Bodies at Menarche
Menarche, or the first menstrual cycle, marks a significant transition in a girl’s life and is culturally recognized in various ways around the world. “Bodies at menarche” refers to how societies construct, perceive, and manage this bodily change. In many cultures, it is a rite of passage into womanhood and may be accompanied by rituals, taboos, and new gender expectations. Feminist scholars argue that how a society treats menstruation reflects broader attitudes toward women’s bodies and reproductive health. Menarche is often medicalized, hidden, or stigmatized in patriarchal societies.
e) Domestic Labour
Domestic labour refers to unpaid work done primarily by women within the household, including cooking, cleaning, caregiving, and child-rearing. It is often invisible and undervalued, even though it is essential for the functioning of society. Feminist economists argue that domestic labour is a form of exploitation, as it benefits others (especially men and employers) without compensation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden of domestic labour on women increased significantly, revealing its importance and gendered nature. Recognition and redistribution of domestic labour is essential for achieving gender equality.