What is the double day of work described by socialist feminists?

In the context of socialist feminism, the double day of work refers to the burden placed on women who are expected to perform both paid employment outside the home and unpaid domestic labor, such as caregiving and homemaking, within the home.1

Socialist feminists argue that this division of labour is inherently exploitative. By criticizing traditional Marxism for focusing exclusively on waged labor, these theorists emphasize that the unpaid work traditionally assigned to women is an indispensable contribution to the economy that remains undervalued and creates significant inequality. This dual responsibility creates a systemic imbalance, as women are disproportionately tasked with managing both professional and domestic spheres.1