Marxism and Family

Marxists have identified several functions that the family places in maintaining the capitalist system: the inheritance of private property, socialisation into acceptance of inequalities and a source of profit. Marxists also believe that the functions of the family are performed purely for the benefit of the capitalist system.

Firstly, they believe that a key dominator in determining the shape of all social institutions, including the family, is the mode of production. Marx believed that earlier in the classless society (primitive communism) there was no private property and all members of society owned the means of production mutually. There was it was believed no family of such, however there was instead what Engels identified as ‘promiscuous horde’ in which there were no restrictions on sexual behaviour.

However, Marx argues, that as the forces of production began to develop society began to increase. Along with increased wealth came the development of private property and a class of men emerged who were able to secure control of the means of production. This it was believed brought about the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family.

In Engels view monogamy had then become essential due to the inheritance of property, as men had to be certain of the paternity of their children to ensure that their legitimate heirs inherited from them. Engels went on to argue that the rise of monogamous nuclear family represented a “historical defeat of the female sex.” This was because it brought women’s sexuality under male control and turned her into “a mere instrument for the production of children.”

Furthermore, Marxists believe that the family performs key ideological function for capitalism. This is done by socialising children into the idea that hierarchy and inequalities are inevitable. Parental power over children accustoms them the idea that there always has to be someone in charge (usually a man) and prepares them for a working life in which they will accept...