Marxist views

• What is Althusser's view on family?

  Socialisation - The family socialises the next gen into ruling class ideology
• What does Zaretsky argue about the family?


  Unit of consumption - People are paid less than the amount charged for products then targeted by advertisers e.g. pester power
• What is Engels' view on inheritance in families?


  The isolated nuclear family means that wealth can be passed on to biological offspring to maintain capitalism
• Zaretsky- Cushioning effect


  Family allows a man to feel in control and powerful which they don't feel in the workplace (maintains capitalism)
• Criticisms-


  -Ignores family diversity- only discuss the role of the nuclear family

  -Negative view- ignores the positive effects that the family can have
• Positive evaluations-

  -Discusses the idea that the nuclear family is a social construction

  -Explains the existence of the 'dark side of the family'