This now classic book traces the social origins of the sexual division of labor. It gives a history of the related processes of colonization and 'housewifization' and extends this analysis to the contemporary new international division of labor and the role which women have to play as the cheapest producers and consumers. First published in 1986, it was hailed as a major paradigm shift for feminist theory. Eleven years on, Maria Mies' theory of capitalist patriarchy has become even more relevant. In this new edition she both applies to her theory to the new, globalized world and answers her critics.