Final answer:
The Marxist feminist theory views women's subordination in capitalist societies as a reflection of class struggles, with women in the role of the proletariat due to economic dependence on men. As women become wage earners, they can gain power, though truly equal standing remains elusive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Marxist feminist theory draws on the work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in that it often views women's subordination as inherent in capitalist societies. This perspective aligns with the ideas of Marxism, which emphasize the class struggles between the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor. Engels, in particular, compared the household's dynamics to the labor force, suggesting that women, who are often economically dependent on men, assume the role of the proletariat.
Marxism argued that the exploitation of workers was a fundamental flaw of capitalism, and this critique extends to the gender dynamics within capitalist societies. As women increasingly enter the wage-earning workforce, they may gain power within the family structure, as suggested by contemporary conflict theorists. However, despite these gains, women often still carry the brunt of domestic responsibilities, highlighting an ongoing struggle for true equality within the family structure and society at large.