Feminist Economics
An introductive video series
To speak of feminist economics is not simply to give a surname to something as orthodox as classic economic studies. Feminist economics re-think traditional analyses and include in them all those invisible activities that are nevertheless indispensable for life to exist and for society to function. Activities that, traditionally, have been taken care of by women's hands. Feminist economics not only observe, but also proposes political action around this idea.
In this series of videos, we will look at different aspects of feminist economics based on dozens of conversations between Latin America (Abya Yala) and authorities of the Spanish state.
Chapter 1. Feminist economics - what is it?
Feminist economics looks at all processes that are part of the processes of reproduction of life. It prioritises the well-being of people and not the accumulation of capital. Feminist economics has care as its backbone and good living as its ultimate goal. Feminist economics asks why the most important jobs, those essential for life, are not taken into consideration by traditional economic theories.
Video: Feminist economics: what is it? - YouTube
Chapter 2. The sustainability of life
The capitalist system places the market at the centre, whereas feminist economics are committed to placing care, as essential for life, at the centre and defending it as a collective right.
Video: Feminist economics: Chapter 2. The sustainability of life - YouTube
Chapter 3. The Capital-Life Conflict
The capital-life conflict is the conflict between the processes of capital accumulation and the processes of sustaining collective life. Feminist economics denounce the capitalist system as a heteropatriarchal and racist system protecting markets at the cost of human lives and the environment.
Video: Feminist economics: Chapter 3. The capital-life conflict - YouTube
Chapter 4. The Body-Time-Territory Relationship
Body: The capitalist system does not work by magic, but thanks to the invisible labour of many women. We live in a system of exploitation that conceives labour as a source of wealth and accumulation.
Time: Capitalism imposes an imperialist rhythm on our time, in which our lives revolve around employment and consumption. Care is not a priority and we have to work against the clock. Globalisation has brought with it the internet and other forms of technological innovation that have compressed space-time, allowing for the concentration and overload of tasks.
Territory: Capital dispossesses us of our territories. It fragments them and imposes borders so that we are increasingly separated and less organised. Being "owners" of the territory allows us to organise ourselves and take care of the commons.
Video: Feminist Economics: Chapter 4. The Body-Time-Territory Relationship - YouTube
Chapter 5. Households and community
The capitalist system neither guarantees nor takes responsibility for the sustainability of life, and breaks community and collective ties. It pours this responsibility into households, making it individual and isolated.
Video: Feminist Economics: Chapter 5. Households and community. - YouTube
Authors: RLS Madrid, Colectiva XXK, Al Borde Films