Ideological Function

• • Ideology → A set of ideas or beliefs that justify inequalities and maintain the capitalist system by persuading people to accept it as fair, natural or unchangeable
• The family socializes children into the idea that hierarchy and inequality are inevitable
• • Parental (paternal) power over children accustoms them to the idea there always has to be someone in charge
  • Prepares them for a working life, accepting orders from their employers
• Eli Zaretsky (1976)

  • The family offers a ‘haven’ from the harsh exploitative world of work and capitalism
  • Allows workers to have a private life
  • Argues that this is an illusion and family cannot meet it’s members need