From a Marxist Feminist Point of View

“Nancy Holmstrom represents a unique blend of philosophical rigor and activism rooted in genuine concern for women and LGBTQ people suffering from the ills of capitalism, racism, patriarchy and homophobia in the Global North and the Global South.  Her articulation of Marx’s concept of human nature  is especially relevant to the current debates on queer theory and gender identity and challenges an essentialist and unchanging concept of human nature.” —Frieda Afary, author, Socialist Feminism:  A New Approach“Holmstrom’s wide-ranging essays are unified by her consistent attention to the mode of production. Using this as organizing principle, Holmstrom delivers illuminating discussions of topics such as exploitation, self-ownership, gender relations, sex work, human nature, rationality and freedom. As a whole, the book provides a powerful vision of the liberatory potential of a genuinely democratic socialism.”—Alison M. Jaggar, author, Feminist Politics and Human Nature, Living with Contradictions, Gender and Global Justice“From a Marxist-Feminist Point of View is an essential resource for the left today. I’ve been reading Nancy Holmstrom’s political philosophy since the 1970s and am thrilled to be able to return to them now in a single volume. These essays showcase her exceptional ability to clarify and critically assess Marxist and Marxist-Feminist ideas—and, crucially, to clarify for us the political stakes.” —Susan Ferguson, author, Women and Work“Nancy Holmstrom’s articles tackle some of the most important and controversial issues in social theory.  Whether the topic is the meaning of “rationality” and “freedom,” the question whether unpaid care labor is exploited, or the complexities of gender and race in the capitalist mode of production, few writings better illustrate the theoretical reach of Marxist feminism.  Even fewer convey more forcefully the political stakes of the theoretical debates.  Even those who do not agree with me that she is right about pretty much everything will find insights on every page.”—Tony Smith, author, Beyond Liberal Egalitarianism“This remarkable collection of Marxist/Feminist essays is grounded in a critical  analysis of the capitalist mode of production, and its consequences for women's life and work. Committed to human rationality and the values of freedom, justice and equality, Nancy Holmstrom persuasively argues for the need for collective anti-capitalist action to prevent climate catastrophe. The only way out is a radical social change which is at the same time feminist and ecosocialist.” — Michael Löwy, author, Ecosocialism“Thanks to her consistent Marxist-Feminist point of view, Nancy Holmstrom provides, in this brilliant collection of essays, invaluable insights on women's work, exploitation and struggles.  For her, democracy and feminism are both ends and means of the socialist movement, which aims to put an end to capitalist irrationality and alienation, as well as patriarchal domination.”—Eleni Varikas, author, Pour une théorie politique du Féminisme“In From a Marxist-Feminist Point of View Nancy Holmstrom brings together decades of groundbreaking work that has shaped the field of Marxist feminist theory. Moving from Marx’s theory of modes of production to contemporary debates on freedom, rationality, and human nature, Holmstrom shows how feminism and Marxism together illuminate and challenge the social relations that shape our lives. Bold, rigorous, and deeply committed to social and political transformation, this volume is a vital resource for anyone committed to freedom, justice, and equality—and to the struggles that make them possible.”—Cinzia Arruzza, co-author, Feminism for the 99%“This collection of Nancy Holmstrom’s work on Marxist feminism is a remarkable testament to her brilliance, clear voice, and political insight. She brings to the page her deep insight from over fifty years of political and philosophical work and articulates it without jargon or fluff. This is a book for anyone who is looking to analyze our current crises and offers inspiration for continuing the struggle.”—Sally Haslanger, author, Resisting Reality"Holmstrom’s engagement with Marxist thought is at once deeply scholarly and urgently outward-looking. Her very original and interesting discussions of traditional philosophical topics like rationality and freedom are always motivated by the practical needs of radical political action, and informed by her own ongoing activism. A must read for anyone who wants to see progressive change in our world."—Louise Antony