theories of the families - Marxism Flashcards
Who are Marxists?
Marxists focus on the negative or dysfunctional aspects of the family life and it’s a conflict theory
They have critical views on the nuclear family thinking it’s bad for individuals and society
Marxists also see capitalists society based upon an unequal dynamic / relationship between 2 social classes.
The capitalist / ruling class who own the means of production - the bourgeoisie class. The working class , whose labour the capitalist exploit for profit - the proletariat.
For Marxists the functions that the family performs in a capitalist society benefits and maintains the capitalist system. Marxists have identifies several ways they see the family promoting capitalism
Who is Marx and what was his key point
Marx argues the point of “reproduction of tomorrow’s workforce” and he argues that working class families produce generations of workers to be exploited by generations of ruling class owners and this maintains the capitalist system.
Marx also argues that under a capitalist system social mobility (changing social class) is not possible since if a family is working class their children will be also and they will be raised with the shared norms and values of a working class child.
Similarly a ruling class family will produce children that are ruling class due to inheritance and the passing of capitalist norms and values
What is the stretch and challenge supporting Marx point on reproduction of tomorrow’s work force ?
Engels argued that the monogamous nuclear family only emerged with capitalism since this was the best way of guaranteeing that you are passing your property to your son because in monogamous relationships you have a clear idea of who your children are.
This reinforced the idea of inheritance and how social mobility isn’t possible under a capitalist system since the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor
Marxist are critical of this as it reproduces inequality.
What is some evaluation for Marx and Engels point on reproduction of tomorrow’s workforce ?
1) Functionalist parson argues that the family is set up to produce tomorrow’s workforce but they do this through the passing of shared norms and values as a society so since we all share the same values this allows individuals to succeed in society.
So Parson sees this as a functional fit for individuals and society as a whole. This shows that social mobility is possible.
2) Postmodernists criticise both Marx and Engels for being outdated and argue that as society has progressed and we no longer inherit our social class positions in a fragmented society also finance / inheritance may be shared amongst siblings and since some people don’t have kids , inheritance doesn’t always stay within the family. This shows that social mobility is possible.
Who is Althusser and what was his point
Althusser’s point is about Ideological functions
What are the ideological functions (Althusser)
Althusser identifies 2 methods of control within society.
The ideological state apparatuses (ISA) which maintains the bourgeoisie class by controlling people’s ideas , values and beliefs through religion media and the education system.
The repressive state apparatuses (RSA) which maintains the rule of bourgeoisie class by force (or the threat of force) and this is done through police , courts prisons and armed services.
How is that family seen as an example of ISA? (Althusser)
Althusser argues that the family performs key ideological functions for capitalism that socialises children into the idea that the hierarchy and inequality is inevitable.
Example : It teaches us that there is always someone above us I.e. in the family it’s our parents in schools it’s our teachers in work it’s our bosses. And sanctions are put in place to show us if we don’t respect or follow orders their will be consequences. That part is similar to RSA
What are some evaluations on Althusser’s point on Ideological functions.
1) Functionalist Murdock would critical Althusser’s idea on the family in regards to ISA since he argues that the family performs the education function passing on shared norms and values which are beneficial to both the individual and society since the family is reflecting the value consensus of society.
2) Radical feminists argues that Althusser ignores the fact that the family is set up to pass on patriarchal ideologies and that the biggest inequalities in family are the gender difference and sub ordination of women. This shows that inequality costs in a variety of way and the family doesn’t only support capitalism but patriarchy as well
What is Zaretsky’s key point and what does it mean ?
A unit of consumption.
Zaretsky states that capitalism also exploits the labour of workers by making a profit from them by selling their products at a higher price than it does to pay them to produce those same products.
The family plays a big role in generating profits eg
Advertisers urge families to “keep up with the joneses” by consuming all the latest products
example : if all your friends have iPhones and it’s popular you will want an iPhone and ask your parents for ones.
Another example : the media targets children who use “pester power” as a way to persuade parents to spend more.
When kids are shopping with parents they may throw a fit till they get what they want since most children who lack the latest clothes or gadgets are most likely going to be mocked or negatively stigmatised by peers.
Marxist see the family as performing several functions that benefit capitalism.
What are the evaluations for Zaretsky’s argument on “unit of consumption”
1) Functionalist Murdock argues that the nuclear family does not perform functions to benefit capitalism but it carries out essential functions necessary for the individual and society. E.g. the family carries out the economic function meeting its members economic needs such as producing food and shelter whilst also ensuring a stable income. This shows that concepts such as pester power aren’t always negative but actually positive.
2) Marxist feminist , Duncombe and Marsden argue that the family acting as a unit of consumption leads to the adoption exploitation of women since to afford such luxury items and lifestyles both men and women have to work which leads to women undertaking that triple shift . This is the idea of women taking on paid work , unpaid work and emotional work. So this shows how women are “doubly exploited” and how the unit of consumption has a negative affect on women and the family members.
What is the Zaretsky’s second point and explain it.
A safety valve.
Zaretsky argues that in a society where work was alienating , the family was put on a pedestal and seen as a ‘safe haven’ so the family was seen as providing that safety valve , a release from all the oppression of work and this allows the oppression to continue.
However , although it might cushion the effects of capitalism , the family is still unable to provide for the psychology and personal needs of the individual therefore the nuclear family benefits capitalism rather than the individual.
What is the difference between Zaretsky’s second point on A safety valve and parsons Warm bath theory.
Parson argues that this idea of a warm bath benefits the individual and society whereas Zaretsky says no it may have a momentary stress release but once they get back to work their stress will just come back since it’s capitalism cause oppression and stress to start with.
What are the evaluations of Zaretsky’s second point on “A safety valve”
1) functionalist parson says that although their is an overlap between their ideas parson ultimately believes that this is a positive thing and criticises Zaretsky for focusing on a capitalist society since parson states that Zaretsky ignores the benefits a safety valve offers for the family such as intimacy and mutual support
2) Black feminists view the family as a safe haven from the oppression and racism so they criticise Zaretsky for just focusing purely on the pressures of capitalism and class inequality. This shows that the safety valve of the family is important. However Zaretsky’s understanding is too narrow , ignoring the experiences of a diverse society.
What is the stretch and challenge that links to the safety valve - Zaretsky.
Neo Marxist - Lasch views the family as a ‘haven in a heartless (capitalist) world’ and he argues that since the family is warm and confronting it lets individuals accept unequal and unfree structures outside of the family since the home offers that escape from the pressure of society.
