Marxist's perspective on the Family

Marxist Functions of the Family

Ideological function - Althusser - family teaches children ideals of capitalism - be good workers, dont question authority, obedience. Family is part of the IDEOLOGICAL STATE APPARATUS. Zaretsky - the family seems like an escape from capatilism - this is an illusion

Inheritance of property - Engels- nuclear family is a way to be sure of legitimate heirs. Women are little more than prostitutes, proving sex and heirs for economic security

Unit of comsumption - Zaretsky - work hard to provide their family with the best things - children's pester power- fuelling capatilism - ideological function

Criticisms

Engel's description of how the family developed may not be historically accurate and is old fashioned

Assumes everyone in society has a nuclear family - forgets diversity

The family is a place of warmth and love - escape from capitilism

Feminists argue the family serves the interests of men, not capitalism