Topic 9 - Marxist view of the family Flashcards
Introduction?
In the 1970s, sociologists criticized the optimistic views of the family presented by functionalism. They revisited Engels’ 1880s work, where he argued that the family and marriage evolved to control women and facilitate property inheritance. Monogamy ensured men could guarantee that their property was passed on to their children.
What do Marxists say about families?
Marxism and functionalism share similarities in viewing families as transmitters of ideas and values and part of the economic unit. However, functionalists see families as beneficial to society, while Marxists argue they suppress family members.
Marxists contend that families socialize children into capitalist norms, teaching them to accept male dominance and societal inequality, as noted by French Marxist Althusser. They believe families control women through unpaid labor, support workers, and serve as units of consumption, thus benefiting capitalism. Eli Zaretsky (1976) argued that families provide working men with a sense of power, making them less likely to challenge employers or engage in political activism, as they prioritize supporting their families.
Strengths of Marxism as a theory of family?
Marxists highlight the ideological role of the family in society, explaining its development and the strong feelings people have about family structure. They emphasize the unpleasant aspects of family life, particularly power inequalities within families. Feminist perspectives have drawn upon these Marxist views in their analyses of family dynamics.
Weaknesses of marxism?
Marxists are criticized for focusing solely on the negative aspects of family life, overlooking its positive elements. Their analysis simplifies the family as merely an economic unit and assumes capitalism is inherently negative, which is not universally accepted. Catherine Hakim argues that Marxist views on women’s roles in families are outdated, as many women now have choices and opt for conventional lifestyles. Additionally, like functionalism, Marxism tends to overlook women’s perspectives on family life.
