SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource

SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource

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  AS Families andHouseholds: 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.
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  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
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  Marxist Theorists andStudies 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
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  Task - QuickCheck 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