Marxism

Question 1

Althusser: Ideological State Apparatus (ISA)

Answer 1

• Argues that the WC must submit to the RC so capitalism will survive
• The family is one of the ISA (concerned with social control and passing on the norms and values of society)
• Family socialises its members to accept capitalist ideology, which in turn supports the economy
  • Children learn to obey their father, which transfers to obeying their boss, ensures the ruling class have efficient workers so they can continue to make a profit
• Maintains a false class consciousness - children brainwashed into loving capitalism and thinking it is just and fair, unaware they are being exploited

AO3 - Child Liberationists would agree that parents control their children
Age patriarchy makes children get used to the idea that there is always someone superior and ‘in charge’
Argue adults make children dependent on them by controlling all aspects of their lives rather than preparing them to work in a capitalist society

Question 2

Engels: Monogamous Marriage

Answer 2

• Argues that the monogamous nuclear family allows the passing on of private property to heirs
• It provides proof of paternity as the women will only have one sexual partner, ensuring the property is passed on to the right people
• Prevents the distribution of wealth and power, reproduces and maintains class inequality
• Financial deal is made, women provide sex and heirs in return for economic security (food, home, etc.)
• Women can only achieve liberation from patriarchal control if capitalism in ended, a classless society with no private property will have no need for a monogamous, patriarchal nuclear family structure

AO3 - Marxist Feminists would agree that women are exploited in the family
Benston - ‘slaves of the wage slaves’ - women look after the wage slaves (make workers) by doing the housework and childcare, they are subordinate to men (have no power in the family)

Question 3

Zaretsky: Consumption

Answer 3

• Family generate profit for the RC through consumerism
• Adverts urge families to buy the latest products and services (phones, cars, toys)
• Children grow up to value consumerism (asked what they want for holidays and birthdays)
• Children use their pester power and nag their parents to get them things they want
• This benefits the ruling class as they are the ones who are selling the products and earning a profit through the spending families, ensures the RC remain rich and powerful

AO3 - not passively brainwashed by capitalism to buy consumer products
Postmodernists argue that our consumerism reflects our individual identities and choices, family life in a postmodernist life includes diversity, fluidity and change

Question 4

Zaretsky: Not a Haven

Answer 4

• People are led to believe that the family is a haven -> place to relax
• The family offers a buffer zone from the exploitation the workers experience at the hands of the RC
• Can have a private life and be themselves away from the alienation of capitalism
• It is an ideological illusion - the family is not a haven as it relies on the domestic exploitation of women who perform a labour of love
• Women comfort male workers (listen to their frustrations, cook them their favourite food) - their unpaid domestic labour ensures the capitalist system continues, men can return ready to work hard for the ruling class

AO3 - Parsons - family is a haven, adults can relax and the family is a positive thing for everyone, not just the ruling class