Marxism and the family

Question 1

Engels

Answer 1

monogamous, nuclear family ensures wealth stays with the R/C by passing it down to legitimate heirs. Women are also controlled.

Question 2

Althuser

Answer 2

family is an ISA, providing warmth and love to distract them from the oppressive system, preventing them from rebelling

Question 3

Zaretsky

Answer 3

family is a ‘haven’ from the stresses of capitalism - illusion as women are free labour and the family is a unit of consumption, fuelling capitalism.

Question 4

Outline the critiques of Marxism and the family

Answer 4

Family diversity - assumes the nuclear family is dominant, ignoring the diverse range of families in today’s society

Feminist explanations - Marxism highlights class as the main source of inequality but the family serves the interests of men and women are dually exploited as paid workers and providing domestic labour (dual burden)

Overly critical - overlooks the benefits the family provides for its members e.g. primary socialisation, warmth and stability.