Marxist views of the family

Frederick Engels

the origins of Family and private property

As societies developed, sexual restrictions were placed developing monogamy.

This then links to private property and capitalism.

Althusser

Ideological state apparatus

Argues that people are socialised into believing exploitation is normal and natural.

This then leads to false class consciousness.

Eli Zaretsky (Part One)

Capitalism, the family and personal life

He sees the family as an escape route from oppression and exploitation at work.

the family then acts as a haven specifically for men.

Eli Zaretsky (Part Two)

A unit of consumption

Keep up with the joneses: advertisers urge families to keep up with the latest products.

Pester power: children persuade parents to spend more.

Arlie Hochschild

Argues that almost every aspect of social life has become commodified.

Things that used to be seen as private, such as love, can now just be bought and sold.