Marxist Perspective

Question 1

What do Marxists believe family performs?

Answer 1

Marxists believe the family performs essential functions for society which benefit the bourgeoisie and the economy, but disadvantage the proletariat.

Question 2

What does Engels believe the function of family is?

Answer 2

1. Inheritance of wealth (Engels) - the family stays wealthy as it is passed on through inheritance.

Question 3

What does Zaretsky believe the function of family is?

Answer 3

2. Cushioning effect (Zaretsky) - provides a haven to comfort those who are oppressed at work and relieve frustration by having power in the home.

Question 4

What does Althusser believe the function of family is?

Answer 4

3. Socialisation (Althusser) - passes on dominant ideology to children which supports the capitalist system, allowing exploitation to continue into the next generation.

Question 5

What other function do Marxists believe family performs?

Answer 5

4. Unit of consumption - acts as a unit of consumption as they buy good developed by the capitalist industry which helps increase the bourgeoisie profit.

Question 6

What is the combined Marxist view of the functions of family?

Answer 6

1. Inheritance of wealth (Engels) - the family stays wealthy as it is passed on through inheritance.
2. Cushioning effect (Zaretsky) - provides a haven to comfort those who are oppressed at work and relieve frustration by having power in the home.
3. Socialisation (Althusser) - passes on dominant ideology to children which supports the capitalist system, allowing exploitation to continue into the next generation.
4. Unit of consumption - acts as a unit of consumption as they buy good developed by the capitalist industry which helps increase the bourgeoisie profit.

Question 7

What are the criticisms of the Marxist theory of family functions?

Answer 7

1. Ignores any other benefits to society
2. (Feminism) - Assumes only the male has full time employment
3. Doesn’t explain why the family changes