Repronomics Reading Group "Wages Against Housework" at MayDayRooms
"They say it is love. We say it is unwaged work."
This opening statement from Federici succinctly expresses the gendered exploitation at play in regard to socially reproductive work. Federici rejects the naturalising rhetoric that reproductive work should be done simply as a ‘labour of love’ and that only waged labour holds a true value under capitalism.
On Tuesday 5 March, 6.45-9.30pm, join Jo Harrison and Holly Isard for a Repronomics Reading Group where we will delve into Silvia Federici's landmark text "Wages Against Housework" from 1975. This discussion will explore the significance of unpaid domestic labour, its impact on society and its continued legacy in relation to social reproduction theory.
Federici was one of the founding members of the Wages for Housework movement which demanded recognition for those unwaged workers whose labour-power is sequestered within Marx’s ‘hidden abode’. The movement exposed how those whose laborious and daily tasks involving work such as childcare, eldercare or domestic labour, are necessary for capitalistic economic growth and accumulation.
No prior reading required. We will read the text aloud together in the session.
We will also have access to the Wages for Housework archives which live at MayDayRooms and were donated by Silvia Federici to the collection.
This event is free. If anyone wishes to make a donation to MayDayRooms they can do so here.
This is the first of three Repronomics Reading Group sessions. Save the date for future events:
Session 2 will be Tuesday 16 April, 6.45-9.30pm
Session 3 will be Tuesday 14 May, 6.45-9.30pm