Italian Theory and Feminist Materialism

This article presents three general characteristics of Italian Theory: the ontological primacy of conflict in politics, the interrelation of nature and history, and the importance of work in any philosophy of praxis. The three represent the vital core of political philosophy in Italy, commonly grouped under the heading of biopolitics. I contend that, to achieve a better formulation of the relation between the three themes mentioned, we should not forget the work of materialist feminists such as Fortunati and Federici. Their work constitutes an original development of some of the central themes of Italian Theory. The article explores first the idea of an extension of the borders of work, taking reproductive labour into account. Secondly, it covers the idea of primitive accumulation as a continuous silent conflict underpinning society. Lastly, it addresses the idea that female oppression by males produces the reproductive body, which is simultaneously historical and material

Biopower · Epistemology · Feminism · Feminist theory · Historical materialism · Marxist philosophy · Materialism · Oppression · Political philosophy · Political science · Politics · Praxis · Relation (database · Social science · Sociology · Gender Studies · Italian Fascism and Post-war Society · Law · Philosophy · Political Economy and Marxism