Zaretsky

• The family

  Zaretsky believes the family also plays an ideological function by offering an apparent 'haven' or 'pincushion' from harsh and exploitative world of capitalism. Zaretsky argues this is a large illusion - as the family can't meet its member's needs. It is based on the domestic servitude of women. The family cushions the effects of capitalism but it perpetuates the system.
• Education

  Education socialises children into accepting hierarchy and the idea that inequality is inevitable. Children are socialised to behave in a certain way and wear a uniform.
• Unit of consumption

  The family plays a major role in generating profits for capitalists by consuming goods.
• Making the family buy consumer goods

  • Advertisers urge families to 'keep up with the joneses' by consuming the latest products.
  • The media target children, who use 'pester power' to persuade parents to spend more.
  • Children who lack the latest clothes are mocked and bullied by their peers.
• Negative views of the family

  Marxists believe the family is not a warm bath but is a safety valve. When a man needs to release tension he would take his anger out on his family and stops a revolution happening. The man of the house feels powerless in society, but at home can regain power. The family works as a safety value by cutting off the machine and stopping it from blowing up.