Marxists - Families and households

Question 1

Engels

Answer 1

Privatised nuclear family is a tool of capitalism that maintains inequality. Capitalist societies are unequal.

Question 2

Zaretsky

Answer 2

Family provides a unit of consumption. Family cushions the frustration of the labour force by creating a safe environment where the proletariat can blow off steam. As a result, do not start a revolution.

Question 3

Althusser

Answer 3

Children are taught to obey their parents, especially fathers/to respect authority figures. This prepares them to accept power imbalances in society, such as those between husbands and wives, and between employees and employers.

Question 4

Marxist perspective of families and households

Answer 4

-Reject the consensus view

-Dispute the idea that the way families are organized benefits everyone equally

-Serves to maintain the power of those with wealth and preserve the existing economic system