1.2 Marxists on the family Flashcards
(Marxists) what do Marxists see society as based upon?
ruling class ideology
(Marxists) what is ruling class ideology?
a set of beliefs justifying inequality
(Marxists) the family, like all institutions operates in the interest of who?
the ruling class
bourgeoisie
capitalism
(Marxists) according to Engels when did the monogamous nuclear family emerge?
with the emergence of private property
(Marxists) Engels - why did the nuclear family emerge with the development of private property?
ensure property passed on to legitimate heirs
(Marxists) what is a criticism of Engels?
many tribal societies are organised around the nuclear family
(Marxists) according to Zaretsky what is the family a unit of? - how does it benefit capitalism?
consumption
profit for the bourgeoisie
(Marxists) Marcuse - what does the family encourage its members to do?
pursue false needs
distracting them from inequality and injustice
(Marxists) Zaretsky - what do housewives do?
produce next generation of workers
care for adult workers
socialisation - submissive, obey authority
(Marxists) Zaretsky - the family acts as a safety valve, what does this mean?
provide outlet for workers frustrations so they continue allowing themselves to be exploited
(Marxists) Zaretsky - how does the family create a false class consciousness?
it makes us think we are ok when we are not
(Marxists) Cooper - how does the family reflect capitalism?
age patriarchy - always be some one in power
be submissive and obedient
(Marxists) Cooper - what does it mean that the family is an ideological conditioning device?
it gets us to accept inequality
(Marxists) what do Marxists assume about family types?
that the nuclear family is dominant in capitalist society - ignores family diversity
(Marxists) why do some feminists criticise Marxists?
focus on capitalism they underestimate gender inequality - family serves interest of men not capitalism
