Marxist Perspectives On The Family Flashcards
Functions of the family: inheritance of property
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.
Functions of the family: ideological functions
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.
Functions of the family: a unit of consumption
Media target children who use pester power to persuade parents to spend more
Children who dont have the latest clothes are stigmatised by peers
Criticisms
Functionalists- ignores positive elements
Feminists- underestimates importance of gender inequality which is more fundamental