Marxist Theory on the family

Question 1

What do Marxists believe about the family?

Answer 1

The nuclear family performs ideological functions for capitalism and acts as a unit of consumption that teaches passive acceptance of hierarchy

Question 2

what is marxists structural conflict perspective?

Answer 2

• society is structured along class lines with institutions generally working in the interest of the small elite (Bourgeoise)
• The bourgeoise gain wealth from exploiting the prolerorait (working class)

Question 3

What is Engels view on the emergence of the nuclear family?

Answer 3

He argues the nuclear family only emerged with capitalism which is based on private ownership

• The Bourgeois wanted to keep their wealth in the family so having a family was seen as the best way to pass it down
• This reproduced inequality as the children of the rich grew up etc

Question 4

What is the contemporary marxist belief?

Answer 4

The family acts as an ideological state apparatus as they are there to socialise people to think in a way that justifies inequality and encourages people to accept capitalism e.g the hierarchy in families

Question 5

What is meant by ‘the family is a unit of consumption’?

Answer 5

means that the family builds a demand for goods as they;
-must keep up with the material goods acquired by their neighbours which is done by targeting children through advertising

Question 6

What are the overall criticisms of marxism?

Answer 6

• ignored the benefits e.g both parents supporting the child
• too deterministic as if assumes people passively accept socialisation and family life
• ignores family diversity and women working