“Anyone who knows anything of history knows that great social changes are impossible without feminine upheaval. Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex, the ugly ones included.”
- May 5, 1818 – March 14, 1883
- Born in the Kingdom of Prussia (Germany)
- Philosopher, economist, political thinker
- Wrote Das Kapital and laid the foundations for socialist and communist thought
Quote
“Anyone who knows anything of history knows that great social changes are impossible without feminine upheaval. Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex, the ugly ones included.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marx acknowledges the essential role of women’s movements in driving social change and progress. He suggests that true historical transformation cannot occur without addressing the status and rights of women, highlighting the gendered nature of social progress. The phrase “feminine upheaval” refers to the revolutions or struggles for equality led by women, which, according to Marx, are integral to the broader struggles for social justice and economic equity. By noting that the “social position of the fair sex” (which he humorously extends to include “the ugly ones”) is a key indicator of social progress, Marx links the advancement of women’s rights directly to the overall health and development of society.
Historically, Marx was deeply influenced by the class struggle and believed that the oppression of women was inseparable from the broader capitalist exploitation system. In his view, women’s subjugation was both a reflection of and a tool for maintaining the social order in capitalist societies. The economic dependence of women on men and the division of labor based on gender were key aspects of capitalist structures that Marx sought to critique and overthrow. For Marx, any meaningful social revolution would require the liberation of women, not just in legal or political terms, but in economic and social terms, where women would be freed from the constraints of domestic labor and patriarchal oppression.
In modern society, this quote remains highly relevant in feminist movements and gender equality struggles. Issues like equal pay, reproductive rights, violence against women, and representation in leadership continue to be key markers of social progress. Marx’s assertion that social progress can be measured by the position of women underscores the idea that true societal advancement requires gender equity. As women continue to fight for equality in many spheres—political, economic, and social—their struggles are seen as essential to creating a more just and equitable society, in line with Marx’s view that the liberation of women is a fundamental part of broader social transformation.
