Catherine MacKinnon is officially a radical feminist, and much of her work in Towards a Feminist Theory of the State makes that point clear, through her articulation of the historical and contemporary roots of sexism.

This work contains significant Marxist analysis as well, however, notably in the earliest chapters, where she critiques Marxism from a Feminist standpoint, and a Marxist critique of Feminism that follows. She seeks a synthesis of Marxism and Feminism, which ensures that while her thesis falls under radical feminism, it also finds a place under Marxist Feminism, socialist feminism, and similar philosophies.

Some portions of the work may appear to the modern reader (as of writing this review, 2021) as slightly out-of-date, this being simply due to the fact that the original work was published in 1989. An updated edition of the book would allow for a modern take on what has changed for women's rights, and what work remains for feminism. However, although the volume is older, it allows for fantastic insight of second wave feminist thought and theory, providing it with an enduring historical value.

Finally, while this work does well in evaluating the dynamics of sex and class together, it does not delve into issues of race/ethnicity, or environmental concerns, leaving gaps for further analysis and other areas of concern in socialist and feminist theory.

Overall, this is an excellent second wave feminist text that synthesizes Marxist and Feminist thought into a concise philosophical theory of the state. ( )

A powerful analysis of politics, sexuality and the law from the perspective of women. Using the debate over Marxism and feminism as a point of departure, Mackinnon develops a theory of gender centred on sexual subordination and applies it to the state. The result is an informed and compelling critique of inequality and a transformative vision of a direction for social change.