Marxist Theory and Migrant Workers in Europe

What is it about?

It is a reflection on the category of Femonationalism as developed in Sara Farris's book, "In the Name of Women's Rights". It argues that despite the timeliness and importance of the book, the force of Farris's Marxist theorisation of femonationalism is partly undermined by the absence of any reference to the conditions of the countries these women come from. A critique of neoliberal capitalism, which centres on the problem of Muslim migrant workers in Europe, should not be indifferent to different complex configurations of Islam with capitalism. It is also argued that while Farris's account of the power politics of different factions in Europe and their fusion of reaction and emancipation is invaluable, she does not articulate her insights into a global politics of emancipation or anti-capitalist struggle. In other words, the book does not address the question of how migrant women could attempt to liberate themselves from their ‘victimhood’ under the conditions lucidly depicted in this book.

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Why is it important?

In the wake of the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments and Islamophobia, it is important to reflect on the issues raised in this work. This essay is an attempt to promote and challenge the issues raised in the book.