Marxism

Question 1

marxist view of the family

Answer 1

the family is a tool
of capitalism and its main function is to maintain capitalism and reinforce
social inequalities.

Question 2

Functions of the family: Marxism

Answer 2

inheritance of Wealth
Cushioning Effect
Unit of Consumption
Socialisation

Question 3

inheritance of Wealth
Engels

Answer 3

The isolated nuclear family means that men are able to
confirm when a child is theirs and can ensure that wealth
stays within the family through private inheritance. This
helps to maintain capitalism by keep wealth within the
private family rather than being distributed amongst the
community.

Question 4

Cushioning Effect
Zaretsky

Answer 4

the family acts as a comfort from the stresses and strains of society. However Zaretsky believes that the family allows a man to feel in control and powerful which they don’t feel in the workplace due to bourgeoisie oppression. This also maintains capitalism as it prevents the proletariat from recognising their oppression and starting a revolution.

Question 5

Unit of Consumption
Zaretsky

Answer 5

Families play a vital role in the generation of profits for the
bourgeoisie. Firstly the workers are paid less than the
amount charged for the products they create. The family is then targeted by advertisers to buy the products they have created by urging families to ‘keep up with the Jones’ and targeting children ho use “Pester Power” to ensure that they have latest things to prevent bullying.

Question 6

Socialisation
Althusser

Answer 6

Marxists agree with Functionalists that the family is a key
part of the socialisation process. However Marxists believe
that the family socialises the next generation into the ruling
class ideology and the unequal social hierarchy. This
maintains capitalism

Question 7

Evaluation-Ignores family diversity

Answer 7

only discuss the role of the nuclear family, by passing all other family types

Question 8

Evaluation Deterministic

Answer 8

Overemphasises the role of the family in maintaining capitalism and ignores other
inequalities such as the role of the family in maintaining patriarchy.

Question 9

Evaluation Negative View

Answer 9

Ignores the positive effects that the family can have for its
members

Question 10

Evaluation +

Answer 10

Discusses the idea that the nuclear family is a social construction and not necessarily good for society.

Question 11

Evaluation ++

Answer 11

Explains the existence of the “dark side of the family”