Marxist Perspectives On The Family

Question 1

Functions of the family: inheritance of property

Answer 1

Engels- monogamy is essential so that men could be sure of the paternity of their heirs
Women’s sexuality under men’s control and the only way to stop patriarchy is through revolution.

Question 2

Functions of the family: ideological functions

Answer 2

Socialises children into thinking inequality is inevitable e.g. parental control= control from capitalist managers

Zaretsky- creates the illusion of being a safe haven from the exploitation of capitalism.

Question 3

Functions of the family: a unit of consumption

Answer 3

Media target children who use pester power to persuade parents to spend more

Children who dont have the latest clothes are stigmatised by peers

Question 4

Criticisms

Answer 4

Functionalists- ignores positive elements

Feminists- underestimates importance of gender inequality which is more fundamental