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 organised benefits everyone equally

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