the marxist perspective- key terms.

Question 1

bourgeoisie

Answer 1

the ruling class (upper/middle class) and the owners of most of societys wealth and means of production.

Question 2

proteriat

Answer 2

the working class and the members of that must, under capitalism, sell their labour in order to earn a living.

Question 3

ideology

Answer 3

a system of ideas, ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy, that work together to transmit ideas that are set by a particular group.

Question 4

primitive communism

Answer 4

the earliest classless society where there was no private property and all members of society owned the means of production communially.

Question 5

engels- promiscuous horde

Answer 5

where there was no family structure as such and there was no restrictions on sexual relationships.

Question 6

parental power

Answer 6

socialising children into believing in hierarchy and inequality are inevitable- accustoms them to the idea that there is always someone in charge and prepares them for working life.

Question 7

zaretsky- ‘haven’ and ‘pressure valve’

Answer 7

family performs a haven from the harsh, exploitative world of capitalism, where workers can be themselves and have a private life.

Question 8

althusser- ideological state apparatus.

Answer 8

institutions using ideology to subtly promote and reproduce capitalism and the exploitation.

Question 9

unit of consumption

Answer 9

the family unit is supposed to buy the products necessary to keep capitalism going.

Question 10

reserve army of labour

Answer 10

families procreate and so produce the next generation of labourers for the burgeoisie. women and young people act as cheap labour for the market.

Question 11

pester power

Answer 11

the ability posessed by a child to nag a parents and relentlessly until a parent succumbs and agrees to the childs request.

Question 12

marcuse- ideology of consumerism

Answer 12

the family are units of consumption, therefore they support the economy and social structure by being duped into buying things and needing things (false needs).

Question 13

false class consciousness

Answer 13

working class not aware theyre being exploited.

Question 14

means of production

Answer 14

the factories and organisation of producing materials in which labour is needed, ie factories.

Question 15

pressure value

Answer 15

individuals can let go of any tension built up at work in the comfort of their homes and in arms of their family.