O capital e o corpo das mulheres: o trabalho reprodutivo como fundamento oculto do capitalismo

Abstract

This dissertation examines the origins of capitalism from the perspective of Silvia Federici, who understands it as a counterrevolution carried out by the ruling classes to restrain the achievements of the working classes. It argues that the historical process of the witch hunts in Europe, as well as the deepening of inequalities of sex, race, and class, constitutes a central element in the formation of the capitalist mode of production. It further contends that the consolidation of this mode of production entailed the establishment of a new sexual division of labor, grounded in the control and disciplining of women’s bodies and in the devaluation of unpaid reproductive labor, which is fundamental to the reproduction of labor power. In dialogue with other Marxist feminist philosophers, this dissertation defends the centrality of reproductive labor to the functioning of capitalism, highlighting the theoretical controversies surrounding its recognition as productive labor and the question of the production of surplus value. It also emphasizes the importance of Black feminism—particularly the contributions of Lélia Gonzalez, Sueli Carneiro, and Angela Davis—in demonstrating that the exploitation of reproductive labor is historically shaped by racism, producing specific forms of subordination of Black women. Finally, the study presents a brief analysis of the Brazilian historical and legislative context, emphasizing the role of the state in reproducing inequalities and identifying care policy as a strategic arena of social and political struggle.