Marxism

Question 1

Marxist view of the family is…

Answer 1

The family is a tool of capitalism and its main function is to maintain capitalism and reinforce social inequalities
Create the next generation of workers

Question 2

What does Engels say about the family?

Answer 2

Isolated nuclear family brings men conformity that a child is theirs
Can ensure wealth stays in the family via private inheritance
This helps maintain capitalism as it keeps the rich wealthy instead of distributing it amongst the community

Question 3

What does Zaretsky say about the family?

Answer 3

Similar to Parsons warm bath theory
The family allows a man to feel in control and powerful since they don’t feel this in the workplace due to oppression
Maintains capitalism as it masks the oppression faced by proletariat

Question 4

What is Zaretskys “unit of consumption theory”?

Answer 4

Workers are paid less compared to what the product costs to make
Family is then targeted by advertisers to buy product
Children want to keep up with trends to avoid bullying

Question 5

What does Althusser say about the family

Answer 5

Agree with functionalists that the family is key in socialisation 
However the family socialises the next generation into the ruling class ideology and the unequal social hierarchy

Question 6

Evaluation

Answer 6

-Ignores family diversity
-Deterministic
-Negative view
+discusses how nuc family is a social construct
+looks at the dark side of the family