THE SUBORDINATION OF BRITISH WOMEN ‐ SOME CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

We live in an unequal society, half of whose members, women, are thought of as naturally subordinate to and dependent on the other half, men. In spite of considerable advances in the 20th Century, sexist ideology still pervades our everyday lives and women are traditionally subordinate to men in their domestic, work and more general societal roles. What or which are the causal variables in this equation? Is it patriarchy itself which causes the subordination of women in the paid labour market? Is it rather the capitalist mode of production and women's exploited position within this system that is the cause of their economic dependence, and in turn their more general subordination to men? The author considers the subordination of women both historically and in contemporary society.