CAPITALIST PATRIARCHY AND THE POLITICS OF EXPLOITATION: A MARXIST FEMINIST STUDY OF DATTA AND AHUJA’S NOW THAT YOU’RE RICH

Abstract

Throughout history, women have been systematically relegated to a subordinate position despite their intrinsic equality as human beings. Capitalist patriarchal societies have limited their defined roles and socio-economic rights. Addressing this entrenched inequality, this study aims to analyze Durjoy Datta and Maanvi Ahuja’s collaborative work Now That You’re Rich through the lens of Marxist-feminist literary theory, adopting a qualitative approach – analytical, interpretive, and deductive. Drawing on theoretical insights from scholars like Jackson and Hartmann, it critiques the intersection of capitalist patriarchy and socio-economic exploitation, focusing on gender-based discrimination. It highlights the novel’s critique of women’s marginalization due to socio-economic status and explores the exploitative dynamics between capitalists and female employees. It probes the systemic exploitation of women in workplaces, their struggles for empowerment in socio-familial structures, and their pursuit of marriage as a means of socio-economic security in the androcentric capitalist society. It recommends the vital role of female solidarity in resisting both patriarchal and capitalist subjugation, advocating for gender-inclusive socio-economic equality. Eventually, unveiling systemic injustices calls for collective efforts to dismantle oppressive capitalist patriarchal structures, contributing significantly to Marxist-feminist literary scholarship.