Marxist views on the family Flashcards
What is the overall Marxist view on the family?
Marxists see institutions like the family are used to control people, as we are taught to accept hierarchy and learn norms to contribute to the capitalists
What are the 3 functions of the family that support capitalism?
1-inheritance of private property
2-ideological functions
3-unit of consumption
What did Frederic Engles argue?
during the early stages of human evolution, there was no private property, and the modern nuclear family did not exist, calling this primitive communism . society did not need to divide into families
Why does Engles think why the nuclear family was created?
only developed with the emergence of private property and capitalism
What is meant by ideology to marxists?
a set of beliefs, norms and values that are biased and serve to support the structure of society as it is
How does the family transmit ideology?
transmitting ideas and beliefs that maintain the capitalist system, children learn to accept the idea of hierarchy as inevitable , this process is effective so no one questions it
How does Zaretsky oppose Parson’s ‘warm bath theory’
He argues the family acts as a comfort zone for the worker against the hardship of an oppressive, exploitative , workplace
What does Althusser argue about ideology?
within the family home ,parents can pass on messages that encourage them to accept ideas about society and do not question it
What is ‘ideological state apparatus’?
family supports the state oppression of people, transmitting this onto their children so their learn about the economy etc.
How does being in a family automatically support capitalism?
capitalism makes money from the products it sells to families , the family is encourages by media and advertising to buy more consumer products e.g. prams , baby food,
What are the criticisms of Marxist family views?
- assume all familes are nuclear
- ignores the positives
How do feminists criticise the Marxist view on families?
They say that Marxists ignore the huge contribution that females give to family life , ignoring gender inequalities
What does Catherine Hakim argue against Marxists?
The Marxists view on the role of women in outdated , women now have choices
How do Post-modernists criticise the Marxist family view?
They feel the concept of social class is now irrelevant , people have more choices
How do Functionalists criticise the Marxists family view?
They feel that Marxists ignore the fact that people like living in families therefore they must find some benefit from this institution
What are some strengths of Marxist family views?
- explains the ideological role of families in society
-helps to explain about how families first developed
-helps point out the unpleasant aspects of family life and the inequalities
