Marxists on the Family

What is the basic Marxist view of the family?

The family maintains and reproduces class inequality and supports capitalism.

What did Engels argue about the origin of the nuclear family?

It emerged with private property to ensure legitimate heirs could inherit wealth.

According to Engels, why was monogamy important to the ruling class?

It guaranteed paternity so private property could be passed on to biological children.

What phrase did Engels use to describe women's role in the family?

“Glorified prostitutes” or “domestic slaves” – unpaid and serving the interests of men.

How did Zaretsky view the family’s role in capitalism?

As a vital unit of consumption and a way of providing emotional support for exploited workers.

What does Zaretsky say about the illusion of the family?

It gives workers a false sense of escape from capitalism, distracting them from exploitation.

How does the family act as a unit of consumption, according to Marxists?

Families buy goods, which helps maintain profit and consumer capitalism.

What is Hochschild’s concept of “emotional work” in the family?

Women perform unpaid emotional labour to support the male worker and children.

What is meant by the term "cushioning effect" in Zaretsky’s view?

The family helps men cope with alienation at work, making them less likely to resist capitalism.

How do Marxists say the family reproduces class inequality?

Through inheritance of wealth and socialising children into accepting capitalist norms.

What is one feminist criticism of the Marxist view of the family?

It ignores gender inequality and focuses too much on class.