marxist views of the family

Question 1

what is the marxist view of the family?

Answer 1

family is a tool of capitalism and its main function is to maintain capitalism and reinforce
social inequalities.

Question 2

the cushioning effect

Answer 2

family acts as a comfort from the stresses and strains of society. However Zaretsky believes that
family allows a man to feel in control and powerful which
they don’t feel in the workplace due to bourgeoisie oppression. This also maintains capitalism as it prevents the proletariat from recognising their oppression and starting a revolution.

Question 3

who is the key thinker of units of consumption?

Answer 3

Zaretsky

Question 4

units of consumption

Answer 4

Families play a vital role in the generation of profits for the
bourgeoisie. Firstly the workers are paid less than the amount charged for the products they create. The family is then targeted by advertisers to buy the products they have created by urging families to ‘keep up with the Jones’ and targeting children who use “Pester Power” to ensure that they have latest things to prevent bullying

Question 5

who is the key thinker of socialisation?

Answer 5

Althusser

Question 6

socialisation

Answer 6

Marxists believe that family socialises the next generation into the ruling
class ideology and the unequal social hierarchy. This maintains capitalism by ensuring the next generation accepts the ruling ideology as normal.

Question 7

what are the other functions of the family according to Marxists?

Answer 7

Creating the next generation of
workers.
Reserve labour force – Women

Question 8

ignores family diversity

Answer 8

Marxists only discuss the role of
the nuclear family, by passing
all other family types.

Question 9

deterministic

Answer 9

Overemphasises the role of family in maintaining
capitalism and ignores other inequalities such as role of the family in maintaining patriarchy.

Question 10

negative view

Answer 10

Ignores the positive effects
that the family can have for its
members.

Question 11

what are 2 positives of marxist view on family?

Answer 11

1. Discusses the idea that the
   nuclear family is a social construction and not necessarily good for society.
2. Explains the existence of the
   “dark side of the family”