This now classic book traces the social origins of the sexual division of labour. It gives history of the related processes of colonization and ‘housewifization’ and extends this analysis to the contemporary new international division of labour and the role which women have to play as the cheapest producers and consumers. First published in 1986, it was hailed as a major paradigm shift for feminist theory. Eleven years on, Maria Mies’ theory of capitalist patriarchy has become even more relevant; this new edition includes a substantial new introduction in which she both applies her theory to the new, globalized world and answers her critics.

ISBN: 187559582