Marxism Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover the key concepts and arguments presented in the lecture on Marxism, including the class conflict perspective, functions of the family, critiques, and evaluations of Marxist theory.

What does Marxism primarily focus on regarding society?

Marxism focuses on class conflict between the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).

Who are the members of the capitalist class according to Marxism?

The capitalist class, or bourgeoisie, are those who own the means of production.

What role do families play in capitalist society according to Marxist theory?

Families serve to maintain capitalism by inheriting property, fulfilling ideological functions, and acting as units of consumption.

What does the inheritance of property refer to in Marxism?

It refers to the way property is passed down within families, which helps to maintain class structures and inequalities.

How does Marxism view the family compared to Functionalism?

Marxism views the family as serving the interests of capitalism, while Functionalism sees it as providing benefits for its members and society as a whole.

What did Engels argue about monogamy and the nuclear family?

Engels argued that monogamy became essential for the inheritance of private property and represented a defeat for women by controlling their sexuality.

What is the ideological function of the family in capitalism?

The family socializes children into accepting hierarchy and inequality, making them accustomed to accepting authority in their future work.

How does capitalism exploit the labor of workers according to Marxism?

Capitalism exploits workers by paying them less than the value of what they produce, thereby generating profits.

What is one criticism of Marxist views on the family structure?

Marxists often assume the nuclear family is the dominant structure, which overlooks the significance of gender inequalities and other family types.

What is the 'genderquake' mentioned in relation to Marxism and changing women's roles?

The 'genderquake' refers to recent economic and educational changes that have altered women's attitudes towards careers, leading to fewer full-time housewives.