Marxists

• 3 main functions of the family for capitalism

  1- inheritance of property

  2- ideological functions

  3- A unit of consumption
• Inheritance of property


  mode of production is owned by the RC which is passed down through the family to remain in power.

  Engles - monogamy is important to keep the property in the family of legitimate children so marriage retains wealth
• Ideological functions of the family

  socialisation - family teaches children hierarchy and to be obedient through parental control

  Zaretsky - family offers an illusion of a 'safe haven' from exploitation but fails to actually meet the families needs
• Family as a unit of consumption

  Family has moved away from self sufficient agricultural times, to being sold the products of their labour at a higher price.

  children have 'pester power' and kids without latest goods are stigmatised.