Women As Sex Vendors: Or, Why Women Are Conservative (Being a View of the Economic Status of Woman)

"Women As Sex Vendors" by R. B. Tobias and Mary Marcy is a socio-economic treatise written during the early 20th century. The book explores the economic status of women, arguing that women are often viewed as commodities in a patriarchal society, leading to their conservative position in social and political spheres. Utilizing a materialist analysis, the authors discuss how this relationship affects women's roles and status in society. The text examines various aspects of women's economic dependency on men, the evolution of family structures, and the implications of these dynamics for women's behavior and social roles. It highlights the commodification of women's sexuality and how this affects their aspirations, relationships, and participation in political and social movements. The authors argue that women’s inherent economic value as bearers of a sought-after commodity results in a societal structure that hinders their revolutionary potential, reinforcing conservative attitudes among women. Ultimately, the book provides a critical analysis of gender relations, advocating for a deeper understanding of the economic underpinnings that dictate women's roles in society.