Silvia Federici traces this to the intensification of patriarchy with the advent of capitalism (in Caliban and the Witch). As men in Europe lost power over their labor, they were given (and took) power over women’s (and children’s) labor and bodies as recompense.
*runs to read Silvia Federici* Thank you!
That is a great book. It also powerfully corrects Marx’s view that capitalist primitive accumulation was a natural and necessary economic development. She shows that it was just mass killing and stealing. Still is, of course.
I don't think Marx ever said that "primitive accumulation" was either natural or necessary. I think he was analyzing how capitalism developed. Marx did, unfortunately, have a somewhat evolutionary view of societal change. Federici takes on Marx's use of the term "transition" saying it is too mild.
Ironically, I may have picked up that language from Federici: “there can be no doubt that he (Marx) viewed it (primitive accumulation) as a necessary step in human liberation.” (P.12)
Yes, you’re right, that is confusing but, on this one, I would disagree with Silvia.