3. Marxist Families and Households Flashcards
what is marxist theory in a nutshell
working class is exploited by bourgeoise. alienated from their capitalist society
proletariat don’t realise what is happening
counter hegemony -nothing can be done
what do the family do in marxist perspective
the family, along with other institution- education, the media, religion and the state help to maintain class inequality and capitalism
what are the 3 functions marxism identifies as fulfilling capitalism
inheritance of property
ideological functions
units of consumption
how does the family fulfil: fit well fed workers maintained physically, mentally and emotionally
share needs of each others and rely on each other to be well and fed and learn to support one aother
how does the family fulfil: a constant supply on new workers
reproduce and socialise next generation up to standard
how does the family fulfil: new workers who are disciplined and well socialised
socialising and teaching children norms and values of society, authoritarian characters
how does the family fulfil: two for the price of one in cheap fashion
provide efficient cheap labour and be able to support themselves so they can continue working
how does the family fulfil: an outlet for workers fustrations
create a safe space for society to thrive and exist with frustrations of the days released without harm
who is Engels
Frederick Engels, closest companion of Karl Marx
very liberal political views as a family
how did Engels become a Marxist
Moses Hess converted him to communism, to promote radical causes and publications. set out to reveal the system based private property was leading to a world made of millionaires and paupers
what was his book about
‘The condition of the working class’
The war of the poor against the rich now carved in detail and indirectly will become direct and universal.
what was Engels view on family
created as a capitalist function to retain wealth and private property
what was Engels idea of Early Classes Societies
Primitive Communism
means of production owned communally
Family in its strictest sense did not exist
Tribes- no restrictions on sexual relations
what was Engels idea of Industrialisation
emergence of private property
men needed certainty over paternity of their children - inheritance
nuclear family emerged for confidence in biological offspring
who was Zaretsky
in society today there is an illusion that family is a private space, separate from economics and capitalism
what did Zaretsky think children were brought up like
socialised to expect the norms and values that uphold capitalism
what did Zaretsky believe about family
unit of consumption, cushions frustrations of labour force, save haven, exploitation can manage resentment which helps to maintain capitalism, prevents revolution
what was families main purpose in Zaretsky’s eyes
family was purely a cushion from the damage of capitalism
can only provide psychological support when capitalism ends
what did Marcuse believe about capitalism
pushes people so far they see themselves as extensions of objects they’ve created
worker is merely a consumer
modern day workers conform for sake of survival. one dimensional society
what did Marcuse believe about families and households
shapes personal desires
capitalism create crippling repression
replaced by mass media
public education as means of socialisation
what does capitalism do to families
pushes them to pursue false needs
persuade parents to spend more money
what did Althusser believe about capitalism
humans are not free agents
possessing free will is false consciousness produced by ISA
prepare to fit into capitalist culture
crisis of capitalism will bring social change
what did Althusser believe about families and households
functions of family is teach children to obey and submit to bourgeoisie
proletariat children accept hierarchy
submissive workforce
norms and values that are useful for ruling class. uncritical workers that conform are born.
what did Althusser believe the family was part of
Ideological State Apparatus, an agent of social control as it promotes capitalism, conformity and obedience
Evaluate: assumes nuclear family is most ignorant while ignoring the wide range of family structures in the society
nuclear family provides space to relax and destress from society, which allows us all to function, which is why its the best option for all
Evaluate: feminists believe it serves the needs of men not capitalism
men helped by warm bath theory, space to relax. ignores female oppression, and relaxation, invalidating their feelings
Evaluate: socialisation is viewed as a 1 way passive relationship with children as passive recipients. Its 2 way
children learn to behave but can actually branch out to make their own take on society, hence why socialisation is 2 way.
Evaluate: functionalists believe marxist’s ignore positive benefits of family and mutual support
focus on function that is primarily meant to happen, socialisation. the intimacy and support benefits the people, but not a family function directly
Evaluate: family actively enjoy being consumers, it defines them as individuals, not necessarily exploited for spending power
nursed into believing that that’s what should happen, not true, as we feel down when it can be afforded, when fun can be has elsewhere
what is wrong with Engels theory?
it’s not very romantic about marriage. only about what happens to money after death. people without property also have families too?
what did Parsons say about families?
families have adapted to suit an industrial economy
what happens in communist countries
people still live in family outlets, not group households like communists suppose
what is wrong with Zaretsky’s theory
its outdated and assumes their is only one male worker in the family. ignores all other benefits of family too; emotional support, comfort, general positivity
