1. AS Families and Households: Marxism
KEY WORDS
Capitalism/ Conflict/ Patriarchy/ Proletariat/ Bourgeois/
Subordination/ Private Property/ Ideological State Apparatus
KEY NAMES
Friedrich Engels/ Karl Marx/ Louis Althusser
What is Marxism? A Conflict Perspective:
While functionalists see society as based on value consensus (agreement),
Marxist sociologists see capitalist society as based on an unequal conflict
between two social classes:
The ____________________who The ___________________whose
own the means of production labour the capitalists exploit for profit
Marxists see all society’s institutions, such as the education system, the media,
religion and the state, along with the family, as helping to maintain class
inequality and capitalism. Thus, for Marxists, the functions of the family are
performed purely for the benefit of the capitalist system. This view contrasts
sharply with the functionalist view that the family benefits both society as a
whole and all the individual members of the family.
Marxist Definition of the Family
KEY_TERM
Essentially, Marxists agree with the functionalists that the
dominant family form in modern capitalist societies is the
isolated, traditional nuclear family.
THE NUCLEAR FAMILY IS THE DOMINANT FAMILY
TYPE BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST EFFIECIENT WAY
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY BUT AS A…… Capitalist society - a
society in which making a
TOOL OF CAPITALISM profit and financial success
are the priorities.

2. Reading Task
Using the Napier Press textbook fill out the FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY
identified by Marxist Sociologists – remember to note and highlight the names
of theorists as you will need these for another task.
Inheritance of Property
Ideological Functions
A Unit of Consumption
Task: Applying what you know…….
For Marxists, the functions of the family are performed purely for the benefit
of the capitalist system. Below is a list of what is needed in workers and what
you want from them. Fill in the second column, showing how - according to
Marxism - the nuclear family structure can ensure these needs are met.
NEEDS OF CAPITALISM HOW THE FAMILY AS AN INSTITUTION CAN HELP
1. Fit, well fed workers, maintained physically, mentally
and emotionally
2. A constant supply of new young workers
3. New workers who are well socialised and disciplined
5. An outlet or ‘safety – valve’ for workers frustrations
6. Workers must have some authority outside work to
reduce their frustration at having none in work
7. Workers have to be motivated to earn

3. Marxist Theorists and Studies
Refer back to your earlier notes of ‘functions of the family’ to briefly
summarise the work of these two key Marxist theorists.
Engels (1884)
The Origin of the
Family, Private
Property and the
State
Zaretsky (1976)
Personal life and
capitalism:
Neo-Marxism
Louis Althusser:
Neo Marxists often move away from the traditional Marxist belief of capitalist
subordination and the repression of the working classes. Althusser believed that
‘state apparatuses’ were perpetuating capitalism.
Evaluation of the Marxist approach:
Criticisms of Marxism:
1) Marxists are criticised for ignoring the positive aspects of family life. The
view that the family creates an obedient workforce ripe for exploitation is too
DETERMINISTIC.
2) The Marxist view is also out of date, failing to consider the diversity of
family life today. Also, parents seem to have lost their ability to control
children.
Marxist theories of the family are in stark contrast to the Functionalist
perspective. The main difference is Marxism’s emphasis on CONFLICT
compared to Functionalism’s belief in CONSENSUS.
Task – Statement Sort
Write out these statements under the appropriate headings with the title
‘Evaluation of Marxism’
Strengths Weaknesses
Approach toward the family rests on Ignores family diversity.Sees the nuclear Explores the role of ‘oppressive
assumptions about the nature of society family as being simply determined by ideologies’.
i.e. that it is based on conflict between the economy. It ignores how change
opposing groups. Could society be based may come about because of legal and Radical Feminists suggest that Marxists
on consensus? attitudinal changes. ignore the patriarchal nature of society
Offers explanation for the development Many do not experience that family as
of the family. oppressive. Offers critical approach
Too critical? Acknowledges the dark-side of the family Links the family to inequality in capitalist society

4. Task - Quick Check Questions:
1) What are the key differences between Marxist views of the family and
functionalist views?
2) What criticisms can be directed at both Marxists and Functionalists in
relation to the family?
3) To what extent can we use Marxism to explain the role of the family in
today’s society?
Task - Making use of this theory in an exam….
Complete the second half of this essay question using Marxism as a critique of
Functionalism
Essay: Assess the contribution of Functionalism to our
understanding of the Family. (24marks)
In order to provide a good answer to this type of exam question you must:
Outline the key aspects of the Functionalist Perspective mentioning all
relevant names and studies
Balance Functionalist views against those of Marxist sociologists, using
Marxism as a critique of a ‘consensus’ based society.(YOUR TASK)
Provide a balanced conclusion.
Extra Reading and Research: (Optional but advised!)
Haralambos: (In the library)
A variety of textbooks available in the classroom cupboard
Space for planning out your Marxist critique of functionalism