CEVAP:

Feminists argue that sex and reproduction, the realms which are considered private, must be a part of political realm. They think that they have to be subject to principles of justice for three reasons. The first reason is that families are not “natural” orderings, they are social institutions which are backed up by laws related to marriage or heritage. The state intervenes in families depending on this fact. Although there are families that base on love and consent, many families are based on coercion and characterized by disagreements, even by domestic violence. The internalization of the justice norms would provide improvement for these families. The second reason is that the state has a critical interest in the development of future citizens. The third reason is that the division of labor in traditional families constrains women’s opportunities and freedom in the wider society. Women’s role in parenting limits their ability to receive education, gain occupational skills and have careers, and this makes them vulnerable to poverty even after divorces.