Ever wondered how societal norms and policies can dramatically impact women's career, their financial independence and even their intimate relationships? Want to dive into an intriguing discussion around global models supporting gender equality and their potential influence on the American Dream? Curious about how the world's richest countries can do better to balance work and family life for women?

Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism: And Other Arguments for Economic Independence

When Kristen, the author, was in her twenties, her friend Lisa worked in HR for a big corporation. Lisa loved fashion and had a talent for finding discount designer outfits. However, when she became pregnant, she quit her job to be a stay-at-home mom, supported by her husband. This arrangement, while Lisa’s choice, gradually revealed its downsides. One night, Kristen overheard Lisa arguing with her husband about money, which made Kristen realize the extent of Lisa's financial dependence on him.

Women’s economic dependence on men, whether within marriage or society, has deep roots. George Bernard Shaw highlighted how capitalism often forces women into sexual economic relations. This dependence persists, impacting their autonomy and financial security. The notion that women’s labor is less valuable than men’s continues to affect their pay and career opportunities.

Historically, socialist countries like the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe mandated women's formal employment and invested in their education, providing a stark contrast to capitalist norms. These nations promoted gender equality by offering social services and public sector jobs, ensuring women could combine work with family responsibilities. Despite some shortcomings, the socialist system celebrated women’s labor force participation, which contributed to their economic independence.

In contrast, capitalist societies often view public sector employment unfavorably, yet studies show it offers more equitable pay and better working conditions for women. Ideological divides in countries like the United States favor market solutions over public employment, despite evidence that public sector jobs can help bridge the gender wage gap.

Exploring concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and job guarantees, some economists argue for systems that ensure financial security for all citizens, which could promote gender equality by valuing unpaid labor. While these ideas require further debate, they highlight the need for structural changes to support women’s economic autonomy.

Reflecting on Lisa’s situation, Kristen vowed never to rely solely on a partner for financial security. The broader narrative of women’s economic dependence underlines the importance of policies that support their independence and equal pay, ensuring they can determine their own futures.

Can Universal Basic Income End Women's Economic Dependence?

Jake, Kristen's childhood friend, was obsessed with the American Dream and financial success. He believed in the hard work ethos of the 1980s, embracing the mantra "Greed is good." Despite differing views on capitalism, they stayed friends through college. 

In the 1990s, Jake climbed the corporate ladder at a tech start-up, while Kristen taught English in Japan. In 1997, Jake hired a promising woman for a strategic position, influenced by his feminist beliefs. She excelled until her pregnancy disrupted her career. Despite Jake's efforts to support her, the lack of formal maternity leave policies led her to quit. Jake was disheartened and vowed never to hire a woman again, citing the unpredictability of motherhood.

This situation highlights "statistical discrimination," where employers make decisions based on demographic averages. Women often face career obstacles due to societal expectations around motherhood. Historical attempts to address this, like socialist maternity insurance proposals, aimed to support working mothers. Scandinavian countries successfully implemented universal maternity leave and child care policies, contrasting sharply with the US, where paid maternity leave is still not mandated.

The story of Leslie, who worked for almost no pay to avoid career derailment, and the experiences of women in socialist Eastern Europe, who benefited from state-supported child care, underscore the importance of affordable child care for working mothers. This issue is not just about maternity leave but also about creating a system that supports women's economic independence and balances work and family life.

As we look at global examples, it becomes clear that policies like parental leaves and universal child care are crucial for gender equality. The US, lagging behind, needs to learn from these models to ensure that motherhood doesn't become a crushing burden but remains a source of joy. The richest countries can and should do better to support their citizens in starting families.

From 'Greed is Good' to Maternity Matters: A Tale of Capitalism and Care

In high school, Kristen was a dedicated Model United Nations (MUN) enthusiast, deeply engrossed in international relations and the complex dynamics of global politics. The pinnacle of MUN achievement was winning the gavel, awarded to the student who most convincingly represented their assigned country. To excel, one needed to understand not just policies but also the context behind them.

Kristen quickly realized that as a girl, her chances of representing a Western country on the prestigious Security Council were slim. Despite the era of Margaret Thatcher, foreign affairs were still male-dominated. However, representing the USSR seemed plausible, leading her to specialize in Eastern Bloc politics in hopes of securing a seat on the Security Council someday.

Fast forward thirty years to November 2016, Kristen was sitting with her fifteen-year-old daughter, ready to celebrate Hillary Clinton's election as the first female president of the United States. Yet, the night ended in bitter disappointment, highlighting America's ongoing struggle with gender bias and racism.

Despite progress over the decades, women in the United States still face significant barriers to top positions in government and business. Studies indicate that diversity in leadership boosts profitability, yet efforts to challenge the status quo are limited. Persistent gender stereotypes continue to hold women back, and societal attitudes about women in power remain deeply entrenched.

Research shows that quotas can effectively increase women's participation in leadership roles. Countries like Norway and Sweden have implemented quotas, resulting in higher percentages of women in corporate boards and parliamentary positions. While legislative measures alone can't solve all issues, they can create role models and challenge societal norms.

The story of socialist countries reveals a complex picture. While women were promoted into top positions and encouraged to engage in politics and various professions, patriarchal attitudes and centralized power structures often limited their influence. Yet, women in these countries achieved significant milestones, including becoming fighter pilots and international diplomats.

Reflecting on the importance of role models, a KPMG study found that women are greatly inspired by seeing other women in leadership positions. Promoting qualified women into high managerial roles and onto corporate boards can help reshape societal attitudes and encourage more women to pursue leadership.

Quotas in business and politics have proven effective in promoting gender diversity. However, it's crucial to address broader issues affecting poor and working-class women, particularly women of color. Policies must support women at all levels to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.

Growing up, Kristen believed the stereotypes about unattractive Soviet women. Yet, representing the Soviet Union on the Security Council required savvy research skills and deep understanding, which she embraced wholeheartedly. A glossy East German book on women in socialist societies empowered Kristen, showing that women could be both ambitious and beautiful.

In short, challenging gender stereotypes and promoting women's leadership requires thoughtful legislation and societal change. By creating more opportunities for women to stand for elected office and serve on executive boards, we can inspire the next generation of girls to see themselves as leaders.

Could Quotas Propel Women to Leadership Like Hillary Clinton and Margaret Thatcher?

Ken, an economics major and Wall Street trader, tragically lost his life in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. Ken's life was marked by his pursuit of the American dream and his complicated romantic relationships. After a painful divorce from his gold-digging wife, Ken began to question his tastes and the transactional nature of his relationships.

Ken's experience resonates with the controversial "Sexual Economics Theory," proposed in 2004 by Roy Baumeister and Kathleen Vohs. The theory suggests that sex operates as a commodity in a marketplace where women sell and men buy with various resources. This perspective sparked debates about the nature of human sexuality, patriarchy, and the commodification of relationships.

Feminist critiques argue against the assumption that women's sex drives are weaker and that they naturally seek resources from men. Despite its controversial stance, the theory has been embraced by some conservative circles, who blame societal issues on the reduced price of sex due to birth control and women's economic opportunities.

Contrastingly, socialist thinkers like August Bebel and Alexandra Kollontai envisioned a society where sexuality was liberated from economic constraints. They believed that true equality and mutual affection could flourish without the commodification of sex. Kollontai, in particular, advocated for sexual freedom and independence, challenging traditional marriage and promoting progressive reforms in post-revolutionary Russia.

The divergent views of sexual economics and socialist critiques highlight the complex interplay between capitalism and human relationships. While the transactional nature of sex in capitalist societies is scrutinized, the socialist vision champions a more egalitarian and authentic form of love. These perspectives offer valuable insights into the ways economic systems shape our intimate lives, urging us to consider policies that foster fulfilling relationships without succumbing to market forces.

From Wall Street to 9/11: Ken's Life Through the Lens of Sexual Economics and Socialist Ideals

In college, Kristen had a brief romantic stint with Ken, a senior who shared her love for Springsteen and Dylan. Their relationship was short-lived but laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship built on intellectual exchanges. 

After college, their correspondence continued as Kristen pursued academia while Ken moved to New York, and though his life was cut short, Kristen often wondered how he would have reacted to her research on women's economic independence and sexuality.

Their explorations into sexual economics could have sparked fascinating debates, especially considering the Soviet and East German narratives surrounding women's sexual autonomy. 

Sociologists Anna Temkina and Elena Zdravomyslova's studies highlighted the shift in sexual scripts in post-Soviet Russia, where economic independence led to narratives of romance and friendship, contrasting with the commodified sexuality that emerged with capitalism. Similarly, in East Germany, women's economic independence contributed to more satisfying sexual lives, a notion supported by researchers like Dagmar Herzog and Ingrid Sharp.

This dichotomy between socialist and capitalist sexual ideals is further illustrated in Hungary and Poland. Hungarian youths favored genuine relationships over commodified sex, while Polish sexologists promoted a holistic approach to sexuality, emphasizing women's pleasure and economic security. These insights challenge the commodification inherent in capitalist societies, where relationships often become transactional.

Ken's own experiences reflected these themes. His marriage fell apart due to economic imbalances, mirroring how transactional relationships often falter when genuine emotional connections aren't present. Ultimately, the lessons from these socialist studies suggest that relationships grounded in mutual respect and economic independence tend to be more fulfilling and honest.

How Would Ken React to Research on Women's Economic Independence and Sexuality?

In 2006, Kristen bought a map that everyone should own—an Oxford Cartographers’ timeline showing the rise and fall of civilizations from 3000 BCE to 2000 CE. It’s a vivid reminder that empires are temporary and social change is possible. 

Kristen has taught young people for nearly twenty years and noticed that millennials often view the world as static, leading to political despair. Growing up during the Cold War, Kristen witnessed monumental changes: the Berlin Wall falling, the Soviet Union collapsing. A summer backpacking in Eastern Europe in 1990 was filled with euphoria and hope for free, prosperous futures.

Fast forward to today, young people are disillusioned with rampant neoliberalism and American hegemony. They believe “nothing will change.” But history shows constant upheaval; nations and empires rise and fall, often unexpectedly. Anthropologist Alexei Yurchak’s book title captures this sentiment well: "Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More." Positive change can happen through collective action, as noted by Margaret Mead.

Women face significant challenges. In 2020, the U.S. celebrated a century of women’s suffrage, yet there are calls to repeal the 19th Amendment. In the 2016 election, some Trump supporters suggested this to ensure his victory. 

Ann Coulter once fantasized about a better political system without women voting. This echoes a 1999 study by John Lott and Lawrence Kenny, claiming women’s suffrage led to increased government spending due to women voting for socially progressive candidates. Men’s rights activists use this study to argue against female suffrage, blaming women for the growth of federal expenditures.

However, this research shows women’s votes have led to a government better serving the needs of many. The far right fears women voting for “socialist” leaders who support market regulation and redistributive policies. Millennials, frustrated with capitalism, increasingly support democratic socialism. Julia Mead and Sarah Leonard highlighted this shift in the Nation and the New York Times, noting millennials’ discontent with financial crises and government complicity.

Republicans worry about the growing influence of millennial voters, many of whom identify as Democrats. If young women vote in their economic and political interests, they can counteract plutocracy. To reclaim democracy, young people must educate themselves in political theory and engage beyond their digital bubbles. Voting is crucial, but other political strategies are needed to push for policies expanding public employment, subsidized childcare, universal health care, and more.

Ultimately, coordinated collective action can drive change. Ordinary people, not just those named in history books, shape our world. Strong citizen coalitions, respecting diversity, can challenge the current political and economic systems. Twentieth-century Marxism-Leninism failed, but we can learn from its mistakes and find communal solutions.

Empires Rise and Fall: Lessons from Margaret Mead to Millennials

Women’s economic dependence on men has deep historical roots and persists through societal and systemic structures that undervalue their labor. Socialist countries mandated women’s employment and supported their education, promoting gender equality through social services and public sector jobs, contrasting with capitalist norms. 

Public sector employment offers better pay and conditions for women, yet is often viewed unfavorably in capitalist societies like the US. Concepts like Universal Basic Income could promote gender equality by valuing unpaid labor.

Policies such as parental leave and universal childcare are crucial for gender equality, as seen in Scandinavian countries. These policies support working mothers and balance work and family life. The US lags behind in implementing such policies. Gender stereotypes and societal attitudes continue to hold women back from top positions in government and business. Quotas can effectively increase women’s leadership roles, promoting diversity and challenging societal norms.

Sexual economics theory proposes that sex operates as a commodity in a marketplace, sparking debates about human sexuality and relationships. Socialist thinkers envision a society where sexuality is liberated from economic constraints, promoting true equality and mutual affection. Research suggests that economic independence contributes to more satisfying relationships.

History shows that empires and social structures are temporary, and collective action can drive positive change. Millennials’ disillusionment with neoliberalism can be countered by understanding political theory and engaging in coordinated actions. Women's suffrage has led to government policies better serving the needs of many, and young women voting in their interests can challenge plutocracy. Strong citizen coalitions can shape the world, learning from past mistakes to find communal solutions.

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Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism: And Other Arguments for Economic Independence

Kristen R. Ghodsee

Ever wondered how societal norms and policies can dramatically impact women's career, their financial independence and even their intimate relationships?

Want to dive into an intriguing discussion around global models supporting gender equality and their potential influence on the American Dream?

Curious about how the world's richest countries can do better to balance work and family life for women?

Key Ideas

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