4. Marxism and The Family

Question 1

1. INHERITANCE OF PROPERTY:
   As capitalist societies emerged, as did the development of private property.
   PRE-INDUSTRIAL VS. MODERN

Answer 1

Pre had no private property, no inheritance and people were sexually liberal

Mod has private property owned by men, very wealthy, and sees the intro of monogamous NF’s

Question 2

1. INHERITANCE OF PROPERTY:

Why do men need children?

Answer 2

They need sons to inherit their property and business

Question 3

2. IDEOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS:
   Althusser:
   Family members are socialised in the capitalist values such as materialism, as well as…

Answer 3

Passive acceptance of authority,

obedience, hierarchy and inequality; this results in FALSE CLASS CONCIOUSNESS

Question 4

2. IDEOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS:
   Althusser:
   Primary Socialisation

Answer 4

The family brings children up to accept that hierarchy and inequality are inevitable and okay. Parental power over children shows that someone else is always in charge - meaning they grow up to be passive and conformist citizens

Question 5

2. IDEOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS:
   Zaretsky:
   What does the family provide?

Answer 5

A haven from the harsh world of capitalism where workers can be themselves. Marxists day this haven is an illusion and is based on the exploitation of women’s unpaid labour: takers of shit

Question 6

2. IDEOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS:

Evaluation - Functionalists

Answer 6

Marxists ignore the positives of socialisation and how it allows kids to conform to social norms

Question 7

3. UNIT OF CONSUMPTION
   Capitalism exploits the labour of workers and make profit by selling WC labour products for more.
   The family plays a role in profit, how?

Answer 7

It keeps the wealthy wealthy

Advertisers urge the family to ‘Keep up with the Jones’ and buy all the latest products

Children are mocked for not being up to date

Question 8

3. UNIT OF CONSUMPTION

Evaluation - Feminists

Answer 8

This underestimates gender inequalities as the emphasis on class is too large

Question 9

3. UNIT OF CONSUMPTION

Evaluation - Functionalists

Answer 9

Marxists ignore the benefits the family provide - such as intimacy and mutual support

Question 10

3. UNIT OF CONSUMPTION

Evaluation - Postmodernism

Answer 10

Claim the theory is outdated and rooted in modernity