Marxism - Theories of the Family

Question 1

Engels:

Answer 1

The nuclear family emerged in response to Capitalism emerging. The wealthy needed to ensure that their property was passed on to their rightful heir, could do this via the monogamous nuclear family. Easy to tell who biological children are.
Gave men control over women: women essentially prostitutes as they trade sex for financial security.

Evaluation = criticised for being outdated: most women now work, own property, etc, and are less likely to marry for financial security.

Question 2

Zaretsky:

Answer 2

Benefits capitalism in 3 ways:

• Primary Socialisation: teaches the dominant RC ideology, learn that there is always a ‘boss’ above them.
• Safe Haven: safe haven for men to relax after a stressful/exploitative day at work. Based on exploitation of women whose unpaid domestic labour creates the illusion of relaxation.
• Unit of Consumption = most products are aimed at families due to children’s ‘pester power’. Exploitative as most workers buy products for much more than they cost to make.

Evaluation = The idea that young people don’t learn obedience from their parents. UNICEF found that children often rebel in the UK more than other Western countries: by running away from home, illegal drug use, etc.

Question 3

Althusser:

Answer 3

Argues that the state helps the ruling class maintain their dominant position in society through the two state apparatus.

• Repressive State Apparatuses: physical control over the working class. E.g: police/prisons.
• Ideological State Apparatuses: mental control over the working class. E.g: education/family.

Evaluation = Donzelot argues that the family is not an apparatus that the state uses, but is instead controlled by the state. Policing the family = social workers/doctors can change families.