“Social progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex.”
- 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
“Social progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marx suggests that the advancement of society should be evaluated based on the status and rights of women, as their position in society reflects the broader state of social equality and justice. For Marx, the way society treats women—whether through legal rights, economic opportunities, or social roles—is an indicator of the level of progress a society has made. If women are oppressed or denied basic rights, it reflects that society is backward in its development, with deep structural inequalities that need to be addressed. Therefore, the empowerment and equality of women are essential components of any genuine social progress.
Historically, Marx was a keen critic of the way capitalism and patriarchy intersected to keep women in a subordinate role. Under capitalism, women’s labor—whether in the home, in factories, or in service roles—was exploited while they were also kept dependent on men for their social and economic position. The domestic labor that women performed, though vital to the functioning of society, was largely invisible and undervalued. Marx argued that the liberation of women was integral to the liberation of all oppressed classes. For Marx, true social progress could only occur when women were fully emancipated, able to access the same rights, opportunities, and power as men.
In modern contexts, this quote is still relevant in discussions about gender equality, feminism, and social justice. The social position of women continues to serve as an important measure of a society’s progress in addressing issues such as gender pay gaps, political representation, sexual violence, and reproductive rights. When women are empowered—when they have access to equal education, employment, and political participation—society as a whole benefits. Furthermore, gender equality often correlates with improvements in broader social indicators, such as economic growth, healthcare outcomes, and social cohesion. Marx’s perspective reminds us that true progress can only be achieved in a society that recognizes the rights and dignity of all its members, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, such as women.
