The Marxist perspective of the family- Class conflict perspective;
see that all family and social structures benefit the capitalist society and just create a greater division between the two classes.
A unit of consumption-
ideological functions
Inheritance of Property-
argue that 'mode of production' is a key determining factor of the family.
^is the individual who owns/controls society's productive forces- (machinery, land, labour)
call the earliest society 'primitive communism' due to no one owning private land - all members owned means of production communally.
at this primitive communism there was no family- instead Engels argues that the 'promiscuous horde/tribe' existed- no restrictions on sexual relationships.
Argue families perform ideological functions- following a set of ideas/beliefs that accept inequality.
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Using 'wills' to pass on inheritance.
to accept inequality when socializing younger gen.
being the main source of property.
argue while it may benefit capitalism- it does not benefit the family.
Marcists see family as performing 7 functions that keep capitalism rolling.
^ uses tactics such as-
media target children- 'pesta power'; persuade parents to spend more.
Peers- mock and stigmatize children who don't follow the 'latest trends'
AD's urge families to 'keep up with Joneses'- when it comes to latest everything.
family plays a major role in generating profits for capiatlism due to sale of consumer goods.
Capitalism exploits the workers - making a profit out of selling tbheir product.
1 way is socialisation of younger gen- making the hierarchuy and inequality in society to seem inevitable.
Zaretsky- argues families also fulfill the function of offering a 'haven' against the harsh reality of capitalism- workers can have a private life and be themselves.
Argues this is a large illusion and that families cannot meet everyone's needs- for example female domestic work.
2nd way- Parental control- conditioning children into a mindset where they believe someone always has to be in control- argue is usually always a male.
Also prepares them for work life- and being controlled by a 'boss'
A03- .
M assume nuclear families are dominant- t/f ignores the wide structure of families in society today.
Functionalists argue they ignore the beneficial functions the family has.
Feminists argue they focus too hard on class- undermine the importance of gender- and the inequalities between them in the family.