Marxists perspective - family

Question 1

Marxist views on the functions of the family

Answer 1

That the family is a tool to serve the bourgeoise, it promotes capitalist ideology and the inequalities that are created
Believe there is an unequal relationship between the bourgeoise and proletariat
(B own means of production, P only own their ability to work - so P sell this to the B in return for a wage)
Contrasting interest, B want P for the lowest cost

Question 2

Key Marxist ideas

Answer 2

-Bourgeoise benefit from society, but proletariat suffer
-Believe there is an unequal relationship between the bourgeoise and proletariat
(B own means of production, P only own their ability to work - so P sell this to the B in return for a wage)
-Contrasting interest, B want P for the lowest cost
-Difference between worth of product and cost of wages in pocketed by bourgeoise
-Institution in society that are controlled by the bourgeoise act to transmit working class norms as natural
-Prevent uprising against capitalism, as it is viewed as meritocratic
-Described as ‘false class consciousness’ - when this is broken, the capitalist society will be overthrown and a communist utopia instilled

Question 3

Friedrich Engels (1984)

Answer 3

Believe that monogamous marriage was pushed in the industrial revolution as it became useful to protect wealth the bourgeoise had accumulated
Confirmed legitimacy of children, so wealth could be passed to direct heirs

Question 4

Eli Zaretsky’s 3 point explanation (1976)

Answer 4

Claims that the nuclear family benefits the ruling class:

-Socialisation of children - teaching children that capitalism should not be criticised and is fair, teaches obedience
-Criticial of Parson’s idea of stabilisation of adult personalities - real function is to help manage resentment of capitalism and dampens feelings as workers are not going to oppose system and threaten family with less income
-Important as a main consumer of goods, supports capitalism. Pursuit of good distracts from exploitation of workers

Question 5

Criticisms of marxists

Answer 5

-Some working class parents are teaching children about inequalities, empower children with knowledge of capitalism
-Some parents are aware of inequalities but accept it as they provide them with a good standard of living that is better than the alternative