INTRODUCTION
The irreplaceable position of Marxist feminism in the current context
Feminism is at the forefront of the gender equality movement, characterized by a diverse range of ideologies aimed at achieving equal rights for all genders According to Lewis (2019), feminism seeks to address the social, political, and economic disparities faced by women, advocating for their rights against oppression The concept highlights the historical dominance of men over women, leading to various forms of inequality, as discussed by Beauvoir in The Second Sex (1956), where she emphasizes that women are often defined in relation to men Additionally, feminist discourse encompasses issues such as workplace discrimination and the systemic disadvantages women encounter, further underscoring the need for continued advocacy and reform (Lewis, 2019).
The term "feminism," signifying women's freedom and emancipation, first emerged in France during the 1870s (Lewis, 2019) Throughout history, feminism has evolved through various phases, influenced by the socio-economic conditions of the time Understanding these developmental stages is essential for defining feminism, as its nature and expression can differ significantly based on the specific sources of oppression faced by women.
Literary works analyzed through feminist frameworks, including Liberal, Marxist, and Radical Feminism, illuminate the intricate issues surrounding the women's movement These perspectives reveal the historical tensions between women and men, as well as the impacts of capitalism on gender dynamics.
2 structure However, analysis encompassing all feminism frameworks is futile, so the concern should be based on a specific period of human development
Despite women's increased participation in the workforce, they continue to occupy inferior positions characterized by limited job opportunities and subservient roles Today, women are expected to fulfill multiple responsibilities, not only as dutiful wives and nurturing mothers but also as competent and compliant employees Bhattacharjee and Tripathi (2012) highlight that women face significant stress due to shifting social roles, which undermines their happiness The exploitation and oppression of women are becoming increasingly evident, necessitating a thorough feminist analysis to address these issues This thesis will focus specifically on Marxist feminism to explore the current context and provide insights into improving women's situations.
Marxist feminism, as defined by Sheivari (2014), is a theoretical framework that merges Marxism and Feminism, addressing two distinct forms of inequality: class dynamics under capitalism and gender disparities This approach seeks to liberate women from oppression and exploitation inherent in capitalist systems In its analysis of feminism, Marxist feminism identifies three stages in the efforts to address women's issues.
Early Marxists contend that capitalism and private property are fundamental to the oppression of women, believing that capitalism integrates women into the wage labor force, thereby dismantling traditional gender roles (Sargent, 1981, p 4) In his work, "Origins of the Family, Private Property, and the State" (1884), Engels posits that women's liberation can be achieved through their involvement in the labor market, leading to economic independence.
3 of men It is clear from the first Marxist approach that women’s liberation requires women to enter wage works and struggle against capitalism (Sargent, 1981)
The differential experiences of men and women under capitalism reveal that women's increased oppression stems from their exclusion from wage work Scholars argue that while capitalism compels men to engage in wage labor to create value, women are relegated to domestic roles, reproducing future wage workers without any income This systemic limitation deprives women of independence, rendering them subordinate to men.
The final approach examines the connection between housework and capital, highlighting its impact on women's roles in the labor market According to Sargent (1981), this perspective asserts that women's oppression stems not only from capitalists but also from men, as housework can generate surplus value that benefits both groups Consequently, men may oppose women's liberation, leading to the necessity for women to fight against both male dominance and capitalist structures to achieve emancipation (Sargent, 1981).
This dissertation explores the impact and limitations of Marxist feminism in understanding and addressing women's oppression, using Sidney Sheldon's 1982 bestselling novel, "Master of the Game," as a focal point for analysis through the lens of Marxist feminist theory.
Addressing Marxist feminism in Master of the game by Sidney Sheldon
In 1982, renowned storyteller Sidney Sheldon released his sixth novel, "Master of the Game," which is part of a series focused on women The book quickly climbed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, where it remained for an impressive 11 weeks, garnering widespread acclaim from readers.
4 also is credited as the best thriller novel and the first Sidney Sheldon title to be picked up by Goodreads
Sidney Sheldon chooses the setting history of the book from the end of the
The transition from the 19th to the 20th century was marked by pivotal events, including two world wars that reshaped global wealth and power dynamics Additionally, this era witnessed powerful feminist movements that challenged oppression and injustice within Western society.
The novel presents a utopian narrative that celebrates the strength and triumph of women during a pivotal moment in the feminist movement This study will provide a concise overview of the novel, highlighting its key plots and main characters, which are essential for a thorough theoretical analysis.
The narrative unfolds through the memories of 90-year-old Kate Blackwell, a formidable matriarch and head of a vast multinational empire Born into an affluent family of successful entrepreneurs, Kate's life takes a turn after the loss of her father and older brother, leading her mother to raise her with aspirations of ultimate power Unlike ordinary girls, Kate develops a unique perspective and determination that propels her to dominate both men and the capitalist landscape She embodies a strong-willed woman from a privileged background, navigating and thriving in a competitive capitalist society.
Margaret, Kate's mother, stands out vividly in Kate's memory as a once-submissive daughter of a deceitful merchant who exploited poor diamond diggers, including Margaret's future husband, Jamie This man's malevolence makes Margaret the most tragic victim in the narrative, suffering under the dual oppressions of men and capitalism Through her struggles, Margaret ultimately evolves into an independent woman, fiercely protecting her child.
5 the best condition Margaret is a convincing demonstration of the women’s sufferings in a capitalist society.
In Kate's narrative, Marianne, her son's wife, is viewed as a means to further Kate's business empire and a vessel for childbirth, allowing Kate to exert control over both her son and the family's legacy Marianne's role is primarily to ensure the continuation of their bourgeois lineage, which tragically culminates in her death shortly after giving birth to twins, highlighting her as a tragic victim within the confines of bourgeois society.
Eve, the more dominant twin, embodies ambition and jealousy, often harming her younger sister out of a desire to control everything, even within her family Inspired by her grandmother, Eve seeks power over men and capitalism, willing to go to great lengths to achieve her goals Ultimately, her ruthless pursuit leads to her downfall, resulting in her imprisonment by a man Together with her grandmother, Eve represents alternative views on women's roles in a capitalist society.
In the conclusion of the story, 90-year-old Kate fiercely clings to her role in managing the company, determined to prevent any outsiders from taking control The familiar ghosts in the castle serve as poignant reminders of her life’s struggles and triumphs, while her deceased loved ones urge her to find peace and let go of her burdens Despite their invitations, Kate resolutely chooses to dedicate herself to the conglomerate that embodies capitalism This ending elicits a sense of sympathy from readers for her unwavering stubbornness.
Marxist feminism argues that the sexual division of labor within capitalism is a primary source of women's struggles Some feminists believe that if women are provided with favorable conditions, they could achieve positions of power similar to men, leading to their emancipation from male and capitalist oppression This perspective highlights the core concerns of Marxist feminists in addressing gender inequality.
In their analysis of women's roles within capitalism, Marx and Engels (1848) highlight six distinct positions women occupy in production, while Hartmann (1981) emphasizes the significance of women's self-awareness in feminist movements Sheldon provides a comprehensive overview of these dynamics, illustrating how women navigate both tangible subordinate roles and perceived superior roles within the capitalist framework.
Having briefly summarized its plot, this study will examine the novel Master of the game by Sidney Sheldon within a theoretical framework of Marxist feminism
Chapter two explores the roles of women in society and production, drawing on the insights of Marx and Engels (1848) as well as the imaginative perspectives of Young (1981) In chapter three, the discussion shifts to the interconnected inequities of race and class, as highlighted by Colley (2015) and Bannerji.
(1995), as well as another aspect of women’s revolution towards an egalitarian society in literature.
This dissertation interprets the novel to aid readers and researchers in analyzing Marxist feminism, while also critically assessing its shortcomings regarding racism and class discrimination Furthermore, it highlights the valuable role of literature in illuminating the diverse challenges faced by women from multiple perspectives.
THE WOMEN’S ROLE IN SOCIETY AND PRODUCTION
Inferior position: Sex-affective production
For centuries, women's inequality has sparked controversy, prompting scholars to seek solutions to end their oppression Feminists aim to clarify the origins of this inequality while striving to alleviate women's suffering Central to revolutionary socialist theory, Marx and Engels (1848) argued that women's inferiority can be traced back to the beginnings of human society They noted that while women were considered equal to men in primitive societies, their social status declined with the emergence of class society.
In "Family, Private Property, and the State" (1884), Engels highlights how the emergence of class society has led to men becoming wealthier and more powerful than women, resulting in escalating gender inequality He argues that women are confined to their families as reproducers, effectively excluded from the production sphere The peak of women's oppression occurs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the growing demand for production compels women to engage in work while still managing their domestic responsibilities.
The world has experienced significant transformations, particularly through the aftermath of two world wars that reshaped power dynamics and transitioned the global economy from free-market capitalism to monopoly capitalism or imperialism (Rosenberg, 2019) This shift has intensified the exploitation of workers by capitalists, aimed at maximizing profits Consequently, the working class has faced grueling labor conditions, long hours, and inadequate compensation, leading to a struggle against capitalism, as articulated in Marx's theory (Marx, 1867) Among the exploited, women have been particularly vulnerable, bearing the brunt of this exploitation.
8 only capitalism but also patriarchy Thus, a large number of women’s movements commenced.
Feminist revolutions occur over varying periods, with Slade (2008) categorizing feminist theory into three main perspectives based on the roots of women's oppression: liberal feminists, radical feminists, and Marxist feminists Liberal feminists focus on economic and political systems, while radical feminists emphasize patriarchy as the primary oppressive force In contrast, Marxist feminists argue that capitalism is the main cause of women's oppression, highlighting the need to analyze how capitalism manifests this oppression in women's lives.
The manifestations of women’s sufferings are vividly represented in
In the "Manifesto of the Communist Party" (1848), Marx and Engels argue that under capitalism, women are viewed merely as instruments of production, leading to their exploitation and acceptance of an inferior societal role This perspective has been further developed by feminists who expand on the concept of oppression, defining women's roles as encompassing sex-affective production, which includes bearing and rearing children, as well as providing affection, nurturance, and sexual satisfaction.
Sheldon highlights the critical role of women during the peak of capitalism, reflecting Marxist feminist perspectives This era forced many impoverished individuals to migrate to perilous places like South Africa in search of wealth Through a concise portrayal of Jamie's family, Sheldon illustrates the burdens faced by his mother and older sister, who are tasked with managing household responsibilities while also striving to support the family financially.
Jamie cherished his older sister, who, at twenty-four, appeared much older She had never experienced the joy of owning something beautiful, and Jamie vowed to change that Meanwhile, their mother quietly cleared the remnants of the haggis from the table, moving towards the iron sink.
Jamie's mother and sister lead austere lives, dedicating themselves to hard work to survive their challenging circumstances The struggles they face have aged the older sister prematurely, robbing her of joy Beyond material difficulties, these women lack a voice within their family, often feeling invisible as they silently carry out their daily responsibilities without complaint.
In many societies, the division of labor between male and female workers stems from biological, historical, and social differences (Junankar, 2008) Traditionally, women have been relegated to domestic roles, focusing on household duties and child-rearing, a practice that dates back to primitive societies In ancient cultures, women were often viewed as property, akin to objects or mere sexual beings in the 20th century Simone de Beauvoir, in her seminal work The Second Sex (1949), highlights the oppression of women, who are often confined to roles such as homemakers and caregivers She asserts that "man defines woman not in herself but as relative to him," emphasizing that women's identities are shaped in relation to men rather than independently (Beauvoir, 1949, p xvi).
Women’s empowerment and recognition of their rights are often intertwined with male dominance Beauvoir echoes the insights of Marx and Engels (1848), highlighting that women are viewed as instruments of production This perspective positions women as objects owned by men, granting men the ultimate authority over women's lives and identities.
In Sidney Sheldon's portrayal of the Van der Merwe family, the dynamics of gender roles are evident, highlighting men as "subjects" and women as "objects." This is particularly illustrated through the father's ownership of his daughter, emphasizing traditional patriarchal values within the family structure.
"What about his daughter?" She had to be involved in this.
"Miss Margaret? She's frightened to death of her father If she even looked at a man, Van der Merwe would kill them both." (p 30)
The Van der Merwe family, consisting of patriarch Mr Van der Merwe and his daughter Margaret, hails from Holland and resides in Cape Town, South Africa Mr Van der Merwe embodies a strict, controlling father figure, imposing traditional gender roles on Margaret, whose primary duties revolve around household chores and maintaining her father's reputation Despite his own immoral actions, including infidelity and exploitation of women, he enforces a rigid expectation that Margaret remain chaste and avoid romantic relationships This reflects the prevailing mindset among local men, who believe a woman's virginity is paramount and symbolizes her loyalty to God, as noted by Sargent (1981).
Early efforts to address sexism faced ridicule, with women subjected to derogatory name-calling such as "bitch" and "lesbian." At meetings and demonstrations, men disrupted discussions with catcalls and demands for women to leave the stage Additionally, women's written accounts of sexist behavior were often published anonymously and largely overlooked by men.
Margaret, the submissive daughter of Van der Merwe, is both his cherished possession and his greatest vulnerability, which his adversary will exploit to bring him down Van der Merwe views her merely as a means to uphold his honor, resorting to brutal slaps and harsh insults when he discovers she has lost her virginity and is pregnant, ultimately driving her away in shame.
Salomon van der Merwe turned on his daughter, in the throes of terrible rage
In a moment of intense confrontation, Ian screamed at Margaret, calling her a "whore" and demanding she leave, blaming her for her father's actions Overwhelmed and confused, Margaret struggled to understand the situation, questioning the identity of Jamie McGregor and feeling the weight of Ian's accusations The situation escalated violently when Van der Merwe struck her, reinforcing Ian's harsh words and declaring he never wanted to see her again.
Superior position: capitalist employer
While the harsh reality of the inferior role of women in capitalism is indicated above, this section will elaborate on a different perspective that is evaluated as
In the context of capitalism, the dual position of women significantly shapes their experiences and perceptions, as highlighted by Young (1981) A comprehensive understanding of women's roles is crucial for exploring the dynamics between women and capitalists, ultimately fostering women's emancipation and promoting gender equality.
This section of the dissertation examines women who defy societal norms and ascend to positions of power Scholars such as Harding, Riddiough, Vogel, Al-Hibri, Steward, Ferguson, and Folbre explore the foundational factors contributing to women's oppression in their book "Women and Revolution" (1981) Initially, women were perceived as having lesser strength than men, with prehistoric roles highlighting this disparity—men as hunters showcasing power and women primarily associated with reproduction and food preparation Despite women achieving a prominent social position during this era, their domestic roles ultimately relegated them to a subordinate status as societal structures evolved, leading to a decline in their power (Newsroom, 2012).
The biological ability of women to bear children and their social role in nurturing have historically influenced their status and reinforced traditional notions of femininity (Stewart, 1981) This relationship has evolved through four key stages of societal development: primitive communism, chattel slavery, feudalism, and capitalism.
Women historically engaged in various economic activities, including meal preparation, clothing production, and child-rearing, yet the resulting goods and services were primarily utilized within the household rather than entering the market Consequently, these products and services held use-value but lacked exchange-value, as noted by Vogel (1981).
Sidney Sheldon’s female characters challenge societal norms and confront discrimination rooted in biological differences By deeply exploring these factors, Sheldon creates strong female figures who not only defy the expectations of the 19th and 20th centuries but also critique the capitalist structures of their time.
Kate Blackwell, the daughter of Jamie McGregor and Margaret van der Merwe, faces a tumultuous upbringing marked by tragedy and turmoil After losing her older brother in a riot at the Namib and her father to a fatal stroke just a year later, Kate is left to navigate a world filled with serious ethnic conflict and racial violence in the 1890s Growing up amidst such chaos, she witnesses the harrowing plight of the powerless, shaping her perspective on strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Margaret and Kate were imprisoned at Paardeberg, one of many camps established across South Africa The prisoners endured harsh conditions within a vast, barbed wire-enclosed field, heavily guarded by armed British soldiers.
Margaret and Kate experienced profound helplessness as they were completely at the mercy of their captors, relying on them for basic necessities and their survival Kate lived in constant terror, witnessing the deaths of children around her and fearing she would be next This intense fear and awareness of power dynamics deeply influenced her character development Upon returning to a peaceful and hopeful life in 1900, Kate's past experiences shaped her resilience and outlook on life.
Kate experienced a largely unsupervised childhood, as her mother, Margaret, was preoccupied with managing the company alongside David This lack of attention allowed Kate to develop a rebellious and strong-willed personality One day, after returning from a business meeting, Margaret encountered her fourteen-year-old daughter in a situation that highlighted Kate's wild and stubborn nature.
22 in the muddy yard in a fistfight with two boys Margaret starred in horrified disbelief.
"Bloody hell!" she said under her breath "That's the girl whom one day is going to run Kruger-Brent, Limited! God help us all!" (p 91).
Sheldon skillfully crafts the plot to shield Kate from the influences of family upbringing, yet the family's role in shaping an individual's character cannot be overlooked Harding (1981) highlights that the patriarchal structure, which positions women as inferior to men, stems from familial teachings Children learn their roles in the gender hierarchy from their family members, and the dynamics between parents significantly influence their understanding of society In Kate's case, her mother, preoccupied with work, allows her daughter considerable freedom, resulting in Kate's stubborn and willful behavior, akin to that of a rebellious boy who expresses her strength through fights with peers The only figure capable of managing Kate's unruly nature is David, a loyal friend of her parents.
Kate enjoys a supportive upbringing that allows her to freely express her emotions and pursue her ambitions without the constraints of traditional norms Unlike her mother, Margaret, who faced limitations in her youth, Kate is not burdened with household chores, reflecting a shift in parenting philosophies Margaret's approach stems from her desire to prevent her daughter from experiencing the same pain and tragedy she endured, as well as a need to compensate for the lack of paternal love in her life This progressive parenting style empowers Kate to thrive and embrace her individuality.
In this character, readers see no traits of a traditional woman Instead, her characteristics are depicted as a man who is rebellious and ambitious As time goes
Margaret is deeply concerned about her daughter Kate's uncontrollable behavior and fears it may hinder her chances of finding a suitable husband To address this, she decides to enroll Kate in an English boarding school for girls, hoping it will help her develop proper manners and become a typical young lady Margaret believes that good manners are crucial for a woman's happiness, but Kate's views on happiness starkly contrast with her mother's expectations.
"What I would like is for you to learn some manners," Margaret told her.
"I don't need manners I've got brains."
"That's not the first thing a man looks for in a woman," Margaret said dryly, and you're becoming a woman."
"I don't want to become a woman," Kate screamed (p 99)
Despite becoming the owner of the company, Margaret clings to outdated beliefs that women must adhere to traditional standards of behavior to gain male attention and achieve happiness Concerned about her daughter Kate's nonconformity, Margaret attempts to impose accepted norms on her However, Kate's strong-willed personality, shaped during her mother's absence due to business commitments, resists these efforts Rejecting the notion of becoming a model "English doll," Kate refuses conventional education aimed at instilling traditional values in young girls, which emphasize learning manners and discipline to attract suitable husbands.
101) In Kate’s opinion, such young ladies can do nothing except chatting about trivial daily matters and boys.
Cheltenham School was unbearable There were rules and regulations for everything The girls had to wear identical uniforms, down to their knickers.[…]
In her letter to her mother, Kate expresses her frustration with the oppressive environment at her school, describing it as a "bloody prison" filled with superficial conversations about clothes and boys Unlike her friends in Cheltenham, who conform to strict discipline and embody the ideal of proper young ladies, Kate rebels against these expectations, feeling trapped and determined to escape from the monstrous teachers and the stifling atmosphere.
To the amazement of her teachers, Kate became interested in the farm that the school maintained
The next morning, Oscar Denker, the farm manager, approached the headmistress with a request regarding one of her students, Kate McGregor, asking her to ensure that Kate stays away from his farm.
"Whatever are you talking about?" Mrs Keaton asked "I happen to know she's very interested."