marxism

• How do Marxists view the family in society?

  As performing essential functions like functionalism
• What do Marxists argue about the benefits of the family?

  It benefits the bourgeoisie and the economy
• What is the economic role of a family household according to Marxists?

  It desires to buy goods produced by capitalism
• What term describes the family as a unit in Marxist theory?

  Unit of consumption
• How do families contribute to the profits of the bourgeoisie?

  By buying goods for more than production cost
• What did Engels say about the economic function of the family?

  It keeps wealth within the bourgeoisie through inheritance
• What is the significance of monogamous marriage according to Engels?

  Ensures the husband controls access to his wife
• How does Zaretsky view the family in relation to the capitalist economy?

  It provides the proletariat with power and control
• What does Zaretsky mean by "king of his own castle"?

  It relieves frustration about low worker status
• How does the family cushion the worker from exploitation?

  By providing emotional support and distraction
• What role does Althusser assign to the family in society?

  Part of the ideological apparatus that justifies inequality
• How does hierarchy within the family relate to societal structures?

  It teaches obedience to authority figures
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Marxist perspective on the family?

  Strengths:

  • Recognizes class inequality in society

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Overemphasizes capitalism's benefits
  • Assumes workers are male and women are housewives
  • Cannot explain family flourishing in non-capitalist societies
  • Lacks research into family alternatives