The Politics of Reproduction

by Mary O'Brien

Discusses the political implications of reproduction, examines feminist and traditional masculine theories, and suggests a reformed interpretation of Marxist principles

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Nathan Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Brien acknowledges that the historical precipice from which she writes creates an uncertainty with her thesis -- various medical interventions in the field of reproduction constituting a 'world-historical event' -- and the book's purpose is, partially, to properly signify the magnitude of such a shift. That said, this is an exciting read on every page because of the sweeping vitality of the thesis, the force and scope of its criticism, its staggering field of vision. Within the Marxist tradition, though unwaveringly critical of it.

[Rivka Cymbalist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent work about political theory and how it applies to human reproduction. It takes the old feminist slogans about "the personal is political" and "biology is not destiny" and turns them on their heads.

[Kelli]

Mary O’Brien’s The Politics of Reproduction is a cornerstone of feminist theory that boldly redefines how reproduction shapes political and social structures. By challenging traditional masculine frameworks and reinterpreting Marxist principles through a feminist lens, O’Brien illuminates the often-overlooked intersections of biology, labor, and power.

Her argument that reproductive labor is central to political life remains both revolutionary and timeless. The book doesn’t simply critique patriarchy; it reconstructs political theory around the lived realities of women. O’Brien’s writing is rigorous yet deeply humane, calling for a radical shift in how we understand creation, care, and continuity as political forces.

The Politics of Reproduction stands as a vital read for scholars, feminists, and anyone interested in how personal experiences of gender and reproduction influence global systems of thought and governance.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather dry, sometimes interesting and generally thought provoking Hegelian-Marxist book. Critical of these at the same time dangerously self aware of the limitations of radical feminism, and misreading Christianity as well as aiming to look at why our philosophy of birth is underdeveloped: of course, the primacy of man, of dualism, of gnosticism, over the sexual difference of the reproductive experience which is not merely biological but also involves consciousness and for women it begins in ovulation.

I wish I had done more reading of the author she comments on. But alas, I haven't. It has helped me to think on how to elaborate answers that address many of her points correctly and show the richness of the Christian vision.