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how can class be viewed in Gilead through a Marxist lense?
Gilead's proletariat would likely include the Handmaids, Marthas, Jezebels, Econowives and people who work in the Colonies. the bourgeoisie would include Commanders, Wives and Angels
why does Marxism not accurately describe the entire social structure?
Marx's theory does not account for roles such as the Eyes, Guardians and Aunts, who have some social power but not as much influence as the higher classes and are not as exploited as the lower classes
why does Weberian theory describe Gilead more accurately?
Weber believed that a person's class was determined by their position in the means of production, but expanded his theory to encompass more complex social structures. Weber's theory suggested that a person could lack economic power but still have high status.
how can Weberian theory be applied to Gilead?
those in the highest social class (Commanders, Wives, etc) have wealth status and power; those in the middle classes (Aunts, Guardians, Eyes) may not have wealth, but they do have status and power; the lower classes (Handmaids, Marthas, etc) have neither wealth, status or power
how is the class hierarchy shaped in Gilead?
class is shaped around Gilead's ideals; the closer a person fits to the values that Gilead promotes, the higher their social status is. men are typically in higher ranking roles than women, and older women and LGBT people are sent to the colonies as they threaten Gilead's heteronormative ideals.
"tell them who it's for and they won't mess around"
the Commander's respect and status allows him to get better food
"The Commander is the head of the household"
though Serena Joy has power over Marthas and Handmaids, ultimately the Commander has the main authority over the house
"the transgressions of women in the household... are supposed to be under the jurisdiction of the wives alone"
though they are lower ranking than their husbands, their high social class still gives them power over Handmaids and Marthas
what privileges and luxuries do the Wives have?
they can ride in cars instead of walk, and they can drink coffee, tea and wine
what is the role of the Angels?
they are high-ranking men who serve as Gilead's soldiers. they guard the Red Centre and neutralise rebel groups.
what indicates that the Angels are higher class?
they may qualify for a wife and a Handmaid, which are seen as status symbols in Gilead
"low status: he hasn't been issued a woman"
the fact that Nick hasn't been issued a woman indicates that he is lower class, yet he still has some freedoms (such as having his own apartment)
what privileges to the Aunts have?
they are the only women in Gilead allowed to read and write
"childless or infertile older women who were not married could take service in the Aunts and thereby escape redundancy"
whilst Aunts gain status and power in society, they are not as influential as higher ranked men and women as they were previously considered Unwomen
how are Marthas slightly higher class than Handmaids?
they likely have their own network of communication and have certain freedoms such as baking, cooking and socialising
how do Econowives have more freedom than Handmaids?
it is implied that they are allowed to socialise. although they don't have the same respect as Handmaids, they are not subjected to the same dehumanisation.
how do Jezebels have more freedom than Handmaids?
they can wear makeup, drink alcohol and socialise with men. however, this freedom comes at a cost as they are eventually sent to the colonies and otherwise discarded.
