Marxist Perspective

Question 1

What do Marxists believe about the family?

Answer 1

The functions are performed purely for the benefit of the capitalist system

Question 2

What are the functions of the family for Marxism?

Answer 2

Inheritance of property
Ideological functions
A unit of consumption

Question 3

What is inheritance of property?

Answer 3

Engels = monogamy became essential because of inheritance of private property, had to ensure their child inherited their work
Woman’s sexuality became under men’s controls

Question 4

What are ideological functions of the family?

Answer 4

Set of ideas and beliefs that justify the inequality the capitalist system creates
Persuades people to accept it
Socialise children into hierarchy and that inequality is inevitable

Question 5

What does Zaretsky say about ideological functions?

Answer 5

The family offers a haven from the harsh and exploitive world of capitalism
Workers can be themselves and have a private life
Largely an illusion

Question 6

What is a unit of consumption?

Answer 6

Capitalism exploits their workers, makes a profit by selling the products of their labour for more than what it pays
Advertises families to buy the latest products
Children use pester power as the companies target children
Children who lack the latest stuff get mocked by their peers

Question 7

What are the criticisms of Marxism?

Answer 7

Assumes the nuclear family is dominant in capitalist society, ignores all family structures
Feminist = emphasis on class, underestimate gender inequalities, serves interest of men not class
Functionalist = ignore the benefits the family provides