1. The Functions of families; Marxists theories on the family Flashcards
inheritance of property
what is the key factor influencing the shape of the family?
- based on who owns the means of production/mode of production
- as the mode of production develops/evolves, so does the family
inheritance of property
what does marx and engels say about the family before the means of production?
- Marx - the earliest classless society was a ‘primitive communism’ society. There was no private property, and all members of society shared the means of production
- Engles - instead of having a family structure, there was the ‘promiscuous horde’ or tribe, in which there were no restrctions on sexual relationships
inheritance of property
what happened as the means of production developed?
- society’s wealth began to increase
- along with the wealth came ‘private property’ (possessions such as tools, cattle etc)
- men were able to take control of the means of production and keep the private property for themselves
- this change eventually brought about the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family
inheritance of property
accoring to Engels, why was monogamy essential?
it solved the problem of how private property should be inherited or passed on. in order for men to be able to pass down their property to their offspring, they had to be sure of the paternity of their children. They therefore needed greater control over women so that there is no doubt as to who the father was
inheritance of property
according to Engels, what happend due to the rise of the monogamous nuclear family?
- represented a ‘world historical defeat of the female sex’
- it brought a woman’s sexuality under male control, and turned her into a ‘mere instrument for the production of children’
inheritance of property
according to marxists what is the main way to abolish the patriarchal nuclear family?
- overthrow capitalism, and replace it with communism
- with everyone sharing the means of production, an individual possessing private property will no longer exist
- therefore men will not need to control women’s sexuality, as they don’t need to reproduce
inheritance of property
is all ownership still passed on through the nuclear family in modern day britain?
this would not apply to modern day britain as the nuclear family is not required for ownership to be passed down since the emergance of wills and trusts which allows property to be passed on to anyone named in the will/trust
ideological functions
what is the families role in ideological functions?
it passes on a set of values and beliefs (ideology) which justify inequality anf maintain the capitalist system by persuading people that it is fair, natural or unchangeable.
e.g. girls should be graceful anf respectful, while boys should be manly and rough
ideological functions
what capitalist values do parents pass on to their children?
teach children about competition where they have to compete to achieve and secure opportunities for themselves
ideological functions
what does parental power teach children?
- how to respect authority
- how to follow rules and develops an understanding of consequences
- how to be responsible and know the norms in society
ideological functions
what does Zaretsky argue?
- the family performs a function of offering an apparent ‘haven’ from the harsh and exploitative world of capitalism
- it is where workers can ‘be themselves’ and have a private life
- however, the family cannot meet all of its members’ needs and cannot eradicate the misery of capitalist exploitation
ideological functions
why can the family not meet all of its members needs and eradicate the misery of capitalist exploitation?
the capitalist system is based upon the domestic labour of housewives (housework and childcare) who reproduce future generation of workers who are needed by capitalists
ideological functions
what is Zaretsky’s explanation of ‘the cushioning effect? and why does this benefit capitalism?
called ‘the cushioning effect’ as he believes the family has become a vital unit of consumption. The family consumes the products of capitalism and this allows the bourgeoisie to continues producing profit
unit of consumption
how does the bourgeoisie encourage the workers to buy its products?
- almost every aspect of social life is commodified - it is turned into something that can be bought and sold.
- capitalism seeks profit wherever it can and expands into new areas when profits cannot be raised in existing markets
unit of consumption
explain what is meant by ‘pester power’ and the impact in today’s society
- the influence children have on their parents purchasing decisions through repeated requests for products.
- it causes increased parent-child conflict, unhealthy food choices, financial strain and damaged relationship with money
