marxist perspective on the family

Question 1

What is marxism?

Answer 1

marxism is a structural conflict theory meaning society is divided into two groups fighting for power between the bourgeoise and the proleteriat

Question 2

When did the nuclear family emerge according to capitalism?

Answer 2

Engels argues that the nuclear family emerged with capitalism, before capitalism tribal communities were classless and had no restrictions on sexual relationships

Question 3

What are the 3 functions of the family according to Marxism?

Answer 3

ideological functions
inheritence of property
unit of consumption

Question 4

Inheritence of property:

Answer 4

engels = monogamy was essential because men had to be certain of the paternity of their children to pass down property

Question 5

Unit of consumption

Answer 5

business owners want to keep wages down but also have to sell goods to the workers to make a profit:

• keeping up with the jones - wanting what you see your neighbors have to keep up with the trends i.e. new iphone
• pester power - target advertising at children who persuade their parents to buy more expensive items

Question 6

Ideological functions:

Answer 6

althusser - working class submit to ruling class ideology, one of ideological state apparatus - spread the dominant ideology to justify inequality, maintains false class consciouseness

zaretsky - offers an apparent haven from the harsh exploitative world of capitalism, workers can be themselves and have a private life. its an illusion and is based on the domestic servitude of women

Question 7

Evaluation:

Answer 7

outdated - ignores the fact women work and dont just marry to secure a fortune and social obligation