MARXIST THEORIES OF FAMILY

What is Marxist view of Family?

Marxist believe that the family supports Capitalism.

Define Ideology

Family performs key ideological functions of capitalism by justifying inequality by accpeting things are ‘fair’ natural

Define Socialisation of children

Children are taught to believe that hierchy and inequality are envitable

What is Zaretsky theory on Family?

Family is a tool to make sure we go back to work the next day. It helps to relax and refresh us. Recharge ready to face it all

What does feminism say about Zaretsky?

Feminist suggest, that men displate anger from work at home and this leads to domestic abuse

Define Unit of consumption

Ads urges families to keep up with the Joneses’ by consuming all the latest products.

This benefits the bourgeoisie because it makes workers work harder for the products which gives the bourgeoisie more money

Explain the Inheritance of property theory

Engels argued that the family helps maintain capitalism because private property can be inherited by the next generation.

This makes men in the family encourage women to have his children to continue his legacy and wealth

What does feminism say about Engels theory?

Feminists argue that this is a way to control women.

What are the critism of Marxist theories of family

Ignores positive aspects of life- Functionalist argue that Marxist ignore any positive functions and roles that the family plays in society and for it’s members

Bias focus on class inequality- Class equality undermines and belittles the importance of gender inequality within the family

The nuclear family is dominant- Marxist makes an assumptions that nuclear families are dominant and ignores the other family types we have in modern day society