marxist perspective on the family

Question 1

The Marxist Perspective on The Family

Answer 1

Marxists argue that the nuclear family performs ideological functions for Capitalism – the family acts as a unit of consumption and teaches passive acceptance of hierarchy. It is also the institution through which the wealthy pass down their private property to their children, thus reproducing class inequality.

this conflict of interests rarely boils over into revolution because institutions such as the family perform the function of ‘ideological control’, or convincing the masses that the present unequal system is inevitable, natural and good.

Question 2

Explaining the emergence of the nuclear family– Engels

Answer 2

According to Engels, the monogamous nuclear family only emerged with Capitalism. Before Capitalism, traditional, tribal societies were classless and they practised a form of ‘primitive communism’ in which there was no private property.

Question 3

Criticisms of Engels

Answer 3

Gender inequality clearly preceded Capitalism….. The vast majority of tribes in Africa and Asia are patriarchal, with women being barred from owning property, having no political power, and having to do most of the child care and hard physical labour.

Question 4

Contemporary Marxism – The family as an Ideological Apparatus

Answer 4

The modern nuclear family functions to promote values that ensure the reproduction and maintenance of capitalism. The family is described as an ideological apparatus – this means it socialises people to think in a way that justifies inequality and encourages people to accept the capitalist system as fair, natural and unchangeable.

Question 5

Contemporary Marxism – The Family as a Unit of Consumption

Answer 5

Capitalists/business owners want to keep workers’ wages down so they can make a profit, but to do so they must also be able to sell the workers goods i.e. they must create demand for their products

Question 6

The family builds demand for goods in a number of ways

Answer 6

1) Families must keep up with the material goods/services acquired by their neighbours and peers e.g. family holidays, cars – this is known “Keeping up with the Joneses”
2) The media and companies target children in their advertising who then persuade their parents through pester power to buy more expensive items.

Question 7

Overall Criticisms of Marxism

Answer 7

1. It’s too deterministic – it assumes people passively accept socialisation and family life, and that the future is pre-determined
2. The Marxist perspective ignores family diversity in capitalist society, the nuclear family is no longer the main type of family.
3. Feminists argue that the Marxist focus on social class inequalities downplays the role of patriarchy, which is the real source of female oppression
4. Marxism ignores the benefits of nuclear family e.g. both parents support the children.