marxism Flashcards
what is the generic marxist view of the family?
believe the family is a tool for capitalism, and its main function is to maintain it and reinforce inequality
what are the 4 functions of the family according to marxists?
-inheritance of wealth
-cushioning effect
-unit of consumption
-socialisation
what is meant by ‘inheritance of wealth’ as a function of the family?
-engels
-isolation of the nuclear family means wealth stays within it through private inheritance
-stops wealth from being distributed amongst the community
what is meant by ‘cushioning effect’ as a function of the family?
-zaretsky
-family acts as a comfort from the stresses and strains of society
-family allows a man to feel in control when he lacks status in the workplace
-prevents proletariat revolution
what is meant by ‘unit of consumption’ as a function of the family?
-zaretsky
-workers are paid less than the amount charged for the products they create
-‘keep up with the jones’ (advertisers target families to buy their products)
-‘pester power’ (buying kids the latest toys so they don’t get bullied
what is meant by socialisation as a function of the family?
-althusser
-family is key in the socialisation process
-socialises the next generation into the ruling class ideology and unequal social hierarchy, ensuring they accept it as normal
what are the 2 other (less important in exams) functions of the family
-creating the next generation of workers
-reserve labour force (women)
what are the 5 evaluative points on the marxist perspective of the family?
-ignores family diversity (only discusses nuclear family)
-deterministic (ignores other inequalities)
-negative view (ignores positive effects of the family)
+discusses the idea that the nuclear family is a social construction and isn’t necessarily good for society
+explains the existence of the ‘dark side of the family’
