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savaging's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this book knowing that Federici has been criticized for exaggerating the extent of the witch hunt in Europe. So I was enheartened to find this book is about so much more than that. The witch hunt is one example of a war against women, which itself ultimately served as a way to break the strength of poor and working class people. Misogyny destroys resistance in a way analogous to how white supremacy and the invention of race-based chattel slavery broke solidarity between white and black poor people in the colonies. The peasant class had their land stolen, but men were bought off with patriarchy, as women became the new 'commons.'
The most fascinating part for me was Federici's argument that the birth of capitalism required a cultural shift in our ideas about bodies. Capitalism can't function while bodies are sacred and their pleasure and care are prioritized. Bodies have to be neutralized, divided into inert parts that can be controlled by the needs of industry. That chapter alone made the book 5 stars for me.
The most fascinating part for me was Federici's argument that the birth of capitalism required a cultural shift in our ideas about bodies. Capitalism can't function while bodies are sacred and their pleasure and care are prioritized. Bodies have to be neutralized, divided into inert parts that can be controlled by the needs of industry. That chapter alone made the book 5 stars for me.
bucyte's review against another edition
5.0
I have been looking for non-fiction on about the witch hunts and I am so happy I discovered this book. If only all the Marxist fanboys took the time to read it too, maybe their anti-capitalist passions would not include hatred towards women.
I wish Silvia Federici would also apply her amazing analytical and writing skills to go through the more recent history of women and capitalism. I would be the first in line for that book.
I wish Silvia Federici would also apply her amazing analytical and writing skills to go through the more recent history of women and capitalism. I would be the first in line for that book.
september12's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
bbrillie's review against another edition
5.0
absolute banger! deeply informative and expansive yet engaging Marxist feminist analysis of capitalism’s development in Europe and the Americas. Silvia is writing such a thorough critique while making sure to break down Marx, Descartes, Hobbes (amongst others) in a way that’s so accessible. there’s literature, philosophy, sociology, history…all backing her up. genuinely believe this is required reading
really shows how the witch hunt wasn’t the product of public hysteria but a deliberate effort by the state (and in this case the church) to restructure the position of women in society. the destruction of community and ritual, the building narrative of demonic sexuality…we say the witch hunt is a historical event but this is happening today right now with how the state provokes hysteria around Black mothers, queer men, trans ppl, etc…
side note: i think this deserves to be reissued w a new preface by Silvia and the typos corrected! necessary read
really shows how the witch hunt wasn’t the product of public hysteria but a deliberate effort by the state (and in this case the church) to restructure the position of women in society. the destruction of community and ritual, the building narrative of demonic sexuality…we say the witch hunt is a historical event but this is happening today right now with how the state provokes hysteria around Black mothers, queer men, trans ppl, etc…
side note: i think this deserves to be reissued w a new preface by Silvia and the typos corrected! necessary read