Criticizing Capitalism and Colonialism: Materialist Feminist Perspectives
Silvia Federici
In cooperation with Frauenhetz
Image: Mujeres Creando
The evolution of capitalism began with a massive attack on women: the economically profitable separation of production and reproduction, and the consequent devaluation of the positions of women. The maltreatment of the workforce, the disciplining of the body, and the persecution and murder of women goes hand-in-hand with the colonization of Latin America, as does the subjection and eradication of the indigenous population and the establishment of the slave trade via the “Black Atlantic”.
Global capitalism not only incorporates reproductive labour (domestic work, subsistence economy, education, health care, sex-work) into its structure but also radically de-values reproductive labor. The existence of capitalism would not be sustainable without these exploitative processes. This session of Night School asks (referring to the title of one of Silvia Federici’s books) nothing less than: “How can we accomplish the unfinished feminist revolution?”
The talk will be moderated by Birge Krondorfer and held in both English and German.
Translation will be provided by Hilde Grammel.
Silvia Federici is a feminist activist, teacher and writer. She is Emerita Professor at Hofstra University (Hempstead, New York) and the author of many essays and studies on political philosophy, feminist theory, cultural studies, and education. Her published works include: Revolution at Point Zero. Housework, Reproduction, and Feminist Struggle (2012); Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation (2004); A Thousand Flowers: Social Struggles Against Structural Adjustment in African Universities (2000, co-editor). Enduring Western Civilization: The Construction of Western Civilization and its “Others” (1994 editor).
Frauenhetz, Feminist Education, Culture and Politics, provides a space for education since 1993. In different formats and in collaboration with inter(national) lecturerers feminist and other alternative knowledges are on display, adressing women of all generations and backgrounds.
Space is limited, please register by writing to: session@nightschool.at
Volkskundemuseum Wien
Laudongasse 15-19, 1080