marxism-family

Question 1

what are the 4 functions of the family according to Marxists?

Answer 1

inheritance of property
ideological function
unit of consumption
unpaid domestic labour

Question 2

Explain the inheritance of property function of the family?

Answer 2

the rise of private property brought about the patriarchal monogamous family.
Engels- Monogamy is essential, men had to be certain of the paternity of their children to pass on their property.

Question 3

What is the ideological function of the family?

Answer 3

family raises and reproduces the values of the Bourgeoisie, example- they teach children to respect authority?

Question 4

What does Zaretsky say about the family?-ideological function

Answer 4

family offers an apparent “haven” from the harsh and exploitative world of capitalism whereby people feel alienated- this is an illusion

Question 5

What does Poulantzas say about the family?-ideological function

Answer 5

the family is a part of the superstructure of society, it is part of the ideological state apparatus, controlled by the Bourgeoisie and used to shape values.

Question 6

What is the unit of consumption function of the family?

Answer 6

Family plays a major role in generating profits, consumer goods
advertisers urge families to “Keep up with the jonses”

Question 7

What is pester power that supports the ideological function of the family?

Answer 7

media targets children who use pester power, children who lack the latest gadgets are mocked and stigmatised by their peers, subsequently they pester for products

Question 8

What does Ansley say supporting the unpaid domestic labour function of the family?

Answer 8

capitalism oppresses working class men and women, women carry out housework for free
“Punch bag theory”- women absorb all men’s anger that they experience due to alienation in workplace

Question 9

What would a feminist say to criticise the Marxist view of the family?

Answer 9

Marxism’s’ emphasise on capitalism underestimates the importance of gender inequalities.

Question 10

What would a functionalist say to criticise the Marxist view of the family?

Answer 10

Marxist’s ignore the very real benefits that the family produces, example- intimacy and emotional support

Question 11

What would a postmodernist say to criticise the Marxist view of the family?

Answer 11

Marxist’s assume that the nuclear family is dominant- ignores the wide and increasing family diversity.