Theories of the family - Marxism Flashcards
Explain the theory of Marxism
- Macro structural theory claiming that individuals are controlled by a capitalist society
- Conflict theory: conflict between 2 unequal social classes w/c and u/c
- Family socialises members to accept and value capitalism which has a negative impact on society - e.g. they need to buy consumer goods which keeps ruling class in profit
- Family reproduces and maintains class inequality by giving birth and socialising future workers to accept the ruling class ideology
What are the 4 functions of the family?
- Make sure private property is passed on in family to man’s sons
- Transmit ruling class ideology
- Act as a unit of consumption
- Act as a safe haven, but it’s an ideological illusion
Explain the first function
Engels - nuclear family passes on private property
* There is a link between private property and the family
* The monagamous nuclear family introduced passing on private property to heirs - having a relationship with one person provided proof of paternity, so property could be passed to biological sons
* It is called patrilinieality: inheritence through male line
* Prevents distribution of wealth and power which reproduces and maintains class inequality
* Monogamous nuclear family oppressed women: their role was to birth sons in exchange for a home, food and clothing
Explain the second function
Althusser - Nuclear family transmits ruling class ideology
* For capitalism to survive, w/c must submit to r/c
* Family is part of the ideological state apparatus like schools and media, controlling how people think in society by passing on ideas and beliefs that benefit capitalism and ruling class
* The family convinces members that capitalism is fair and unchangeable which supports the economy
* Children from a young age learn power relationships: parents have the power which will prepare them for their boss having power in the future
* Children are told to obey their father, just how they’ll obey their boss in the future which will enable the r/c to make profit from their workers - maintaining a false class conciousness that the w/c are unaware of their exploitation
Explain the third function
Zaretsky - Nuclear family acts as a unit of consumption
* Families generate profit for the r/c through their consumption
* Advertising encourages families to keep up with the Joneses to buy all latest products
* Children grow up to value consumerism (wanting more things)
* Marcuse say that toy adverts for children gives them false needs: they must have that toy or else they’ll never be happy
* Children use their pester power and nag their parents for the things they want
* Consumer goods benefits the r/c because they are the ones selling the products, meaning they will stay rich and powerful
Explain the fourth function
Zaretsky - Nuclear family acts as a safe haven is an ideological illusion
* People are led to believe that the family is a safe haven where people can relax and unwind
* It’s a bufferzone from the exploitation workers face at work - they can be themselves and have a private life
* BUT THIS IS AN IDEOLOGICAL ILLUSION
* The function of the family is to benefit capitalism and prevent revolution: Housewives are like capital slaves in their own home
