Marxist Feminist

Question 1

Feeley

Answer 1

Women emerge from family life preconditioned to accept their place in the capitalist hierarchy – the family is: ‘designed to teach passivity not rebellion’
It socialises family members to accept traditional roles and the view that it is ‘natural’ for them to take responsibilities for different roles.
Therefore the ideology of the family in a capitalist society supports patriarchy.

Question 2

Benston

Answer 2

a wife keeps her husband in good running order by feeding and caring for him which is essential for the running of capitalism. The fact that a man must provide for his wife and kids means he’s less likely to challenge capitalism and if women were actually paid for their work there would have to be a redistribution of wealth. Criticises the nuclear family and a women’s role within it as it is a stabilising force in a capitalist society.

Question 3

Ansley

Answer 3

• sees women acting as a safety valve and takers of Shit as husbands take frustration about being exploited out on their wives in the form of ranting/ verbal frustration. This benefits capitalism as If all workers have their own ‘sponge’ they will aid the false class consciousness and discourage a revolution.

Question 4

Beechey

Answer 4

Women are a cheap ‘reserve army of labour’ brought in during economic booms but thrown out during slumps.
A group of unemployed people looking for work creates competition and exploitation.
Women are often not members of trade unions and are prepared to work for less money as their wage could be a second income.