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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
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2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
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Sociology
12 Dec 2025
138
2 pages
Freya Clarke @freyaclarke_vfbl
Ever wondered why your family works the way it does? Marxist sociologists reckon it's all about serving capitalism... Show more
Think of society as a massive ongoing argument between two groups who can't stand each other. Marxism views capitalist society as built on conflict between the wealthy elite and everyone else.
You've got the capitalist class (the bourgeoisie) who own all the big businesses and means of making money. Then there's the working class (the proletariat) - that's most of us - who have to work for them to survive. The capitalists make their profits by paying workers less than the value they actually create through their labour.
This creates constant class conflict because the interests of both groups are completely opposite. Workers want decent wages and conditions, whilst capitalists want maximum profit. This tension doesn't just stay at work - it affects everything from healthcare to education to how the police treat different social classes.
Key Point The surplus value workers create beyond their wages is where capitalist profits come from - essentially, Marxists argue workers are being legally robbed every day.
Your family might feel like a safe haven, but Marxists argue it's actually capitalism's secret weapon for keeping you in line. Through primary socialisation, children learn to be obedient, competitive, and to accept that inequality is just "how things are."
False class consciousness keeps people from realising how much they're being exploited. Your family teaches you values that seem normal but actually serve capitalism - like believing hard work always pays off or that rich people deserve their wealth.
Early Marxists like Engels spotted that the monogamous nuclear family was perfect for capitalism because it meant fathers could be certain about passing their wealth to their biological children. This kept private property safely within the same families across generations.
Critical Insight Religion and family life act as a "safety valve" - they make people feel better about unfair treatment rather than challenging the system that causes it.
The family essentially brainwashes each generation into accepting their place in society's hierarchy. Pretty dark stuff, but understanding this perspective helps explain why social change can be so difficult to achieve.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key sociological concepts related to family dynamics, including the rise of cohabitation, changing marriage patterns, and the impact of social policies on family structures. This summary covers essential factors influencing family diversity, divorce rates, and the evolving roles of women in society. Ideal for sociology students preparing for essays or exams.
SociologyExplore essential sociological theories and perspectives from key thinkers in education and family studies. This knowledge organiser covers influential figures such as Ball, Bowles, Durkheim, and Becker, highlighting their contributions to understanding social class, labelling theory, and family dynamics. Ideal for students preparing for sociology exams.
SociologyAn analysis of the three main sociological perspectives: structural functionalist perspective, social conflict theory, and symbolic interactionist theory
SociologyExplore the critiques of Parsons' family theories through historical and interpretivist perspectives. This summary covers key studies by Laslett, Anderson, Fletcher, Willmott, Young, and Chester, highlighting family diversity, roles, and patterns in preindustrial and industrial Britain. Ideal for sociology students seeking to understand functionalism critiques and family dynamics.
SociologyExplore the key structural theories of family, including Feminism, Marxism, and Functionalism. This evaluation highlights the conflict perspectives on gender inequality, the roles of family in society, and critiques of traditional family structures. Ideal for understanding the complexities of families and households in sociological studies.
SociologyExplore key concepts in sociology with this comprehensive overview of family dynamics, including dual career families, lone parenthood, domestic labor division, and the debate on symmetrical families. This resource features exam-style questions and answers, highlighting perspectives from functionalism and feminism. Ideal for AQA GCSE Sociology students.
SociologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Freya Clarke
@freyaclarke_vfbl
Ever wondered why your family works the way it does? Marxist sociologists reckon it's all about serving capitalism and keeping the rich in power. They see the family as a tool that teaches us to accept inequality and exploitation without... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Think of society as a massive ongoing argument between two groups who can't stand each other. Marxism views capitalist society as built on conflict between the wealthy elite and everyone else.
You've got the capitalist class (the bourgeoisie) who own all the big businesses and means of making money. Then there's the working class (the proletariat) - that's most of us - who have to work for them to survive. The capitalists make their profits by paying workers less than the value they actually create through their labour.
This creates constant class conflict because the interests of both groups are completely opposite. Workers want decent wages and conditions, whilst capitalists want maximum profit. This tension doesn't just stay at work - it affects everything from healthcare to education to how the police treat different social classes.
Key Point: The surplus value workers create beyond their wages is where capitalist profits come from - essentially, Marxists argue workers are being legally robbed every day.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your family might feel like a safe haven, but Marxists argue it's actually capitalism's secret weapon for keeping you in line. Through primary socialisation, children learn to be obedient, competitive, and to accept that inequality is just "how things are."
False class consciousness keeps people from realising how much they're being exploited. Your family teaches you values that seem normal but actually serve capitalism - like believing hard work always pays off or that rich people deserve their wealth.
Early Marxists like Engels spotted that the monogamous nuclear family was perfect for capitalism because it meant fathers could be certain about passing their wealth to their biological children. This kept private property safely within the same families across generations.
Critical Insight: Religion and family life act as a "safety valve" - they make people feel better about unfair treatment rather than challenging the system that causes it.
The family essentially brainwashes each generation into accepting their place in society's hierarchy. Pretty dark stuff, but understanding this perspective helps explain why social change can be so difficult to achieve.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
7
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key sociological concepts related to family dynamics, including the rise of cohabitation, changing marriage patterns, and the impact of social policies on family structures. This summary covers essential factors influencing family diversity, divorce rates, and the evolving roles of women in society. Ideal for sociology students preparing for essays or exams.
SociologyExplore essential sociological theories and perspectives from key thinkers in education and family studies. This knowledge organiser covers influential figures such as Ball, Bowles, Durkheim, and Becker, highlighting their contributions to understanding social class, labelling theory, and family dynamics. Ideal for students preparing for sociology exams.
SociologyAn analysis of the three main sociological perspectives: structural functionalist perspective, social conflict theory, and symbolic interactionist theory
SociologyExplore the critiques of Parsons' family theories through historical and interpretivist perspectives. This summary covers key studies by Laslett, Anderson, Fletcher, Willmott, Young, and Chester, highlighting family diversity, roles, and patterns in preindustrial and industrial Britain. Ideal for sociology students seeking to understand functionalism critiques and family dynamics.
SociologyExplore the key structural theories of family, including Feminism, Marxism, and Functionalism. This evaluation highlights the conflict perspectives on gender inequality, the roles of family in society, and critiques of traditional family structures. Ideal for understanding the complexities of families and households in sociological studies.
SociologyExplore key concepts in sociology with this comprehensive overview of family dynamics, including dual career families, lone parenthood, domestic labor division, and the debate on symmetrical families. This resource features exam-style questions and answers, highlighting perspectives from functionalism and feminism. Ideal for AQA GCSE Sociology students.
SociologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
