Introduction

This chapter introduces the philosophical theoretical, conceptual and normative framework for the case for gender and racial equality in the United States. It also discusses the philosophical basis for the subordination of women in both the public and private spheres in the Western liberal tradition and compares it to the emancipatory tradition in Marxism. The relationship between racial and gender subordination in the United States, and the women’s and black liberation movements are analyzed. Finally, a case is made for the incorporation of Marxism in any comprehensive philosophical, historical, empirical and normative study of the subordination of women and African Americans, and in the case for gender and racial egalitarianism.