Maxism and The family Flashcards
L6
What do Marxists believe is the main function of the family in capitalist society?
The family serves to maintain and reproduce class inequality and capitalism.
According to Marxism, what role does the family play in the inheritance of property?
The family ensures the transmission of private property through generations, keeping wealth within the ruling class.
How does the family act as an ideological state apparatus?
It socializes children into accepting capitalism as natural and inevitable.
What do Marxists mean by “false consciousness” in relation to the family?
The family instills beliefs that make individuals accept their exploitation under capitalism.
What did Engels argue about the historical development of the family?
He claimed the nuclear family developed to control inheritance and ensure the legitimacy of heirs
Finish this - engels argued that family had a clear ……
economic function for capitalism, by ensuring that wealth remained in the hands of the bourgeoisie.
According to Zaretsky, how does the family provide a ‘haven’ for workers?
It gives the illusion of comfort and support but ultimately prepares individuals to continue working under capitalist exploitation.
What is one feminist criticism of the Marxist view of the family?
Feminists argue Marxists overlook the exploitation of women within the family.
How do functionalists challenge the Marxist perspective?
They argue the family performs positive functions such as socialisation and emotional support, rather than just serving capitalism.
How does postmodernism critique Marxist views on the family?
Postmodernists argue Marxism ignores the diversity of family structures in modern society
The nuclear family keeps capitalism going by ..
- making us believe that hierarchy and inequality is normal
- promoting consumption - through ‘pester power’
- providing a ‘safe haven’
What is meant by ideological state apparatus?
A way to control society from a young age, allows the politically elite to control and manipulate lower classes
What is meant by ‘acceptable behaviours’?
Conforming to social values and norms
