V. I. Lenin on the “Woman Question”

Abstract

In his writings and speeches Lenin showed considerable interest in the “Woman Question.” He argued, first, that the exploitation of female labor performs a central function in the development of capitalism. He claimed that women are “doubly oppressed,” since they lack equality in both the legal–political and domestic spheres. Second, Lenin endorsed the women's rights movement. He called for universal suffrage, criticized prostitution, and supported the struggle for freedom of divorce and abortion. At the same time, he sought to highlight the limits of female liberation under capitalism. Third, Lenin connected the emancipation of women with the construction of socialism and communism. In Soviet Russia he pushed for the equalization of male and female rights. He called for the mass participation of women in politics and economic administration. He planned the socialization of domestic labor and the abolition of household slavery. Under socialism, Lenin argued, women would emancipate themselves.