marxist view of family Flashcards
(18 cards)
What do Marxist perspectives on the family emphasize?
The family as part of the superstructure shaped by the economic base
According to Marxists, how does the family reflect society?
It reflects the economic system of society, benefiting the ruling class in unequal societies
What did Friedrich Engels argue in The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State?
The family did not exist in early pre-capitalist societies and was characterized by promiscuity
What characterized the primitive communism period according to Engels?
Communally owned production and no institution of marriage
How did Engels describe the evolution of the family?
Through stages from group marriage to polygamy to monogamous nuclear family
What was the purpose of the monogamous nuclear family according to Engels?
To ensure undisputed paternity for inheritance of property
What did Engels claim about the role of the state in family evolution?
The state instituted laws to support monogamous marriage and private property
What critique does modern research provide regarding Engels’ views?
Monogamous marriage and nuclear families exist in hunting and gathering societies
What did Gough (1972) argue about Engels’ identification of family life changes?
He identified the general direction of family life change despite inaccuracies
What does Eli Zaretsky analyze in his work?
Recent developments in family from a Marxist perspective, focusing on capitalism
How was the family viewed in early capitalist society according to Zaretsky?
As the basic unit of production, with production happening in the home
What shift occurred in family life with the development of factory work?
Separation of family life from production
What illusion does Zaretsky argue modern capitalist society creates?
The illusion of ‘private life’ separate from the economy
What does Zaretsky say about the fulfillment of individuals at home?
People seek fulfillment at home as work does not meet their needs
What does Zaretsky believe about the family’s ability to meet personal needs?
The family cannot compensate for the pressures of living in a capitalist society
What role does Zaretsky assign to the family in relation to capitalism?
A major prop to the capitalist economy through domestic labor
Fill in the blank: According to Zaretsky, the family reproduces future generations of _______.
workers
True or False: Zaretsky believes the family fully compensates for the general misery caused by capitalism.
False
