Capitalism vs Socialism: What’s Better for Women’s Rights?

Why do women’s rights advance in some societies — and decline in others? In this episode, historian and gender scholar Kristen Ghodsee explains why economic inequality is one of the most powerful drivers of gender inequality. Drawing on decades of research comparing socialist and capitalist societies, Ghodsee shows how policies such as universal childcare, public services, and guaranteed employment dramatically expanded women’s opportunities in the twentieth century — and why the collapse of these systems often led to renewed discrimination and inequality. But the story is not only historical. We discuss how today’s surge in online misogyny, “trad-wife” narratives, and the rise of the manosphere may be connected to deeper economic transformations — including the possibility that AI-driven job disruptions could trigger a new backlash against women’s participation in the labor force. In this conversation we explore: What Cold War history reveals about women’s rights Why inequality and patriarchy reinforce each other The rise of the manosphere and online misogyny How AI and labor market shocks could reshape gender roles Why reducing economic inequality is key to reducing violence against women What egalitarian communities today can teach us about building a more equal future Ghodsee also discusses hopeful alternatives — from cooperative communities to new ways of organizing economies around care, cooperation, and shared prosperity. If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review.

You can listen to Capitalism vs Socialism: What’s Better for Women’s Rights? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Capitalism vs Socialism: What’s Better for Women’s Rights? is an episode from EQUALS by EQUALS.

This episode is 30:39 long.

This episode was published on Mar 10, 2026.

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