family: Sociological Views

Question 1

what is marxists main view of the family?

Answer 1

Marxists argue that the family is a social institution that serves the needs of capitalism

Question 2

what does Althusser think about the family?

Answer 2

he argues that capitalist society has two structures that help capitalism running..
1- repressive state apparatus (rsa)
2- ideological state apparatus (isa)

• the family make up part of the isa + socialise us into the dominant ideology. This helps to create false class consciousness in the proletariat + ensures that they keep working..

Question 3

how does the family support capitalist ideas?

Answer 3

• the family structure mirrors the working world
• the family sociologist children to have a ‘good work ethic’ = supports functionalist idea of a meritocrac society
• the family teaches people to respect authority and
  follow instructions

Question 4

what do the new right sociologists believe about the family?

Answer 4

• the family is ‘deteriorating’ according to Dennis + erdos

Charles Murray

• believes the family as an institution is at a decline
• traditional nuclear family is the ‘ideal family’
• he argued that the break up of the family and benefits has created an ‘underclass’

Question 5

what type of sociologist is Murdock?

Answer 5

Functionalist

Question 6

What type of sociologist is Althusser?

Answer 6

Marxist

Question 7

What are Murdock 4 functions of the family?

Answer 7

• socialisation of the young into norms and values of society
• stable satisfaction of the sex drive (sexual function)
• being economically self sufficient and providing the basic needs for its members (economic function)
• reproduction of children

Question 8

what do Marxist feminists believe about the family?

Answer 8

• women reproduce the next generation of workers through unpaid domestic labour
• womens subordination performs functions for capitalism

Question 9

what do radical feminists believe about the family?

Answer 9

• the traditional nuclear family is the key institution which allows patriarchy to continue
• dual burden: women have the burden of keeping the family stable, housework, working, children
• 1/4 experience domestic abuse

Question 10

what do liberal feminists believe about the family?

Answer 10

• nuclear family is no longer patriarchy due to men also taking on some of the housework/ both in relationship working
• equal paternity: maternity pay 2015