Marxist theory on role of fam

Question 1

What 2 things are society made up from according to Marxism

Answer 1

Infrastructure and superstructure.
Superstructure- maintains and legitimates the base
Infrastructure-Base shapes the superstructure

Question 2

What is the class system

Answer 2

Capitalist society is based on a class system in which there is class conflict between the ruling class  and the working class (proletariat).
The ruling class own the means of production and their interests are profit.
The working class own nothing. To survive, they have to sell their labour in
return for wages to the ruling class.
The ruling class exploit the working class because their profits are gained from workers’ labour.

Question 3

Why do w/c put up with this inequality

Answer 3

False class consciousness – the working class are not aware of the inequality due to the ruling class ideology - the working class is indoctrinated into believing the system is just and fair.
All social institutions (superstructure - family, religion, mass media, education) help to maintain class inequality (status quo) and capitalism by spreading the ruling class ideology.

Question 4

What are the Marxists view on the family

Answer 4

Therefore, Marxists have a negative view of the family.
They say that, as it is a part of the superstructure, the
family is a major tool of social control used to serve the interests of the ruling class.

Question 5

Role of family is to reproduce

Answer 5

W/C family creates the future workforce for the ruling class. the ruling class family creates legitimate heirs.

Question 6

Criticisms of reproduction

Answer 6

Marxist theory ignores
family diversity by assuming the nuclear
family is dominant.

Question 7

What does Zaretsky say about false haven or sanctuary.

Answer 7

The family helps its members manage the resentment they feel
against capitalism that exploits them by offering them a way to de-stress after a long day at work. Therefore, the family appears to be a haven, but the love we receive is an illusion that only benefits the ruling class. It also means workers are less likely to resign as they have a family to support.

Question 8

Criticisms on false haven/ Zaretsky

Answer 8

He ignores the benefits of stable family life.

Question 9

Marcuse and his theory on the role of family

Answer 9

Unit of consumption-Working class families pursue false needs (consumer goods) – this stimulates the economy
and keeps the working class focused on other issues rather than on seeking equality.

Question 10

Criticism on Marcuse

Answer 10

The theory is deterministic – it assumes the family

will disappear in a Communist state.

Question 11

Engels research

Answer 11

Inheritance of private property-The family ensure the legitimacy of the
male heir for the ruling class by guaranteeing their paternity through monogamous marriage.

Question 12

Criticism of ENgels

Answer 12

Underestimates the
importance of gender 
inequalities within the family by overemphasis on social class inequality.

Question 13

Althusser and his research

Answer 13

Socialisation and Ideological status apparatus-Children are socialised into the idea that inequality is inevitable as the family passes on the ideology of the ruling class to future generations who then accept the system as fair. This prepares them for a working life where they will accept the orders of the capitalist employer. This maintains false class consciousness.

Question 14

Criticism on Althusser

Answer 14

Ignores the extent to which families can choose to live within a capitalist society as it offers higher standards of living.