Marxist Views on Family
Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 2.1.2
Marxist Views on Family
According to Marxists, the function of families is to support the capitalist system. Marxists view families as ‘consumer units’.
How families support capitalism
- Families play an important role in ensuring that the economy doesn’t stagnate, therefore playing an important role in upholding capitalism.
- By buying into the economy, the proletariat (working-class) help the bourgeoisie increase their profits.
- Through primary socialisation, future generations are taught the norms and values needed to support the capitalist system.
Key study by Zaretsky
- Zaretsky published 'Capitalism, the Family and Personal Life' in 1976.
- In this study, Zaretsky argues that capitalist society has eluded families into believing that their ‘private life’ is separate from the economy.
Arguments made by Zaretsky
- Within the study, Zaretsky argues that:
- Family cushions the effects of capitalism.
- Family perpetuates inequalities.
- Family can’t compensate for the alienation experienced by people.
- Family is a consumer unit.
- The domestic labour of housewives is seen as necessary to help society reproduce the next generation of workers.
- The sole solution to this problem is socialism.
Criticism: Marxist Family Views
- Marxist views on the family are outdated. Women no longer necessarily rely on men for financial stability. In fact, many women earn more than their male partners.
- Marxist views might no longer be relevant to modern-day society as people tend to marry due to love rather than out of personal interest.
- Marxist views on family ignore the positive aspects of family e.g. having both parents working might mean extra income at home.
Test yourself on Marxist Views on Family
In what year did Zaretsky publish 'Capitalism, the Family and Personal Life'?
What are the main points in 'Capitalism, the Family and Personal Life'?