What does Firestone claim is a fundamental cause of female oppression?

Firestone's argument regarding the fundamental cause of female oppression centers on the biological necessity of childbirth. She posits that the reproductive roles assigned to women inherently limit their opportunities and status in society. By asserting that biology plays a crucial role in shaping women's social status, Firestone highlights how the need for women to bear and raise children can lead to their subordination. This perspective suggests that societal structures and power dynamics are heavily influenced by biological factors, which can perpetuate the oppression of women.

In contrast, while economic dependency, socialization into traditional roles, and cultural stereotypes of femininity are relevant issues that also contribute to the oppression of women, Firestone's analysis specifically emphasizes the centrality of biological factors in this regard. Economic dependency can arise from social structures that restrict women's access to resources, but it does not address the root biological connections as posited by Firestone. Similarly, socialization and cultural stereotypes are significant in forming gender roles but are viewed by Firestone as secondary to the biological determinants that dictate women's roles within society.