Marxist Perspective 2.3

Question 1

Marxists

Answer 1

Karl Marx developed a critique of capitalism both as an economic system but also in terms of the social conditions associated with it

Question 2

Functions of the family

Answer 2

Inheritance of property, ideological functions, unit of consumption

Question 3

Inheritance of property

Answer 3

Development of private property and a class of men who secured control of means of production

Question 4

Ideological functions

Answer 4

Parental power- socialises children idea that hierarchy and equality are inevitable

Question 5

Unit consumption

Answer 5

Thr family plays a major role in generating profits it is an important market for the sale of consumer goods: media target children, advertisers urge others by consuming all the latest products

Question 6

Engels 1884

Answer 6

Argued that family had a clear economic function for capitalism by ensuring that wealth remained in the hands of the bourgeoisie. He argued that family is Al about bloodline and proof of percentage.

Question 7

Engles 1884

Answer 7

The earliest human societies were classless because all property was communally owned ‘Primitive Communism’.
These societies there was no such thing as family, no marriage.
As societies developed and become more capitalist, property was acquired by men.
Engles argued that family had a clear economic function for capitalism by ensuring that wealth remained in the hands of the bourgeoisie

Question 8

Althusser 1971

Answer 8

That a key function of the family is to teach the next generation to obey and submit to the upper-class. Proletariat children are taught to accept hierarchy. This means that later capitalist class can exploit these children. Submissive workforce

Question 9

Zaretsky 1976

Answer 9

Argued that family life gave proletarian men something they could control and a space where they could be the boss. This provided a clear function for capitalism because it meant that workers would tolerate the powerlessness and frustration of being exploited at work.

Question 10

Evans and Chandler 2006

Answer 10

Sample: 45 children 7-11, 19 parents
Method: qualitative, diaries kept over weekend, small group discussions ( children) interviewed at home or at work ( parents)
Results and findings: children often successfully pestered parents to by expensive consumer goods

Question 11

Criticisms of Marxism

Answer 11

Changing Britain,changing lives (2003) says more people are likely to marry for love, affection rather than social obligation.
It is no longer a a feature of capitalist society.
However Parsons counter argument suggested that the nuclear family evolved to suit an industrial economy which back the idea it is a feature of capitalism.
Zaretskys theory is clearly outdated, it assumes the worker is a male and there is only 1 worker. Also ignores other family benefits like emotional support and comfort.
Feminists: underestimates the importance of gender inequalities
Functionalists: Marxists ignore the many real benefits from a family.