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Sociology

2 Dec 2025

150

3 pages

The Role of Family in Marxist Theory: An Essay

T

Tayah Rogers @tayahrogers_tvgd

Ever wondered how your family might actually be part of a bigger economic system? Marxist theory offers a... Show more

Marxist theory of the family
Marxist theory of the family has several key ideas. They share some things in common with
functionalists, for e

Understanding Marxist Family Theory

Unlike functionalists who see families as brilliant for society, Marxists reckon families are actually part of the problem. They believe families help keep the capitalist system running by maintaining the divide between the wealthy bourgeoisie (owners) and the working-class proletariat (employees).

The biggest function families serve is inheritance of property. Back in primitive communism, everyone shared everything and there weren't really families as we know them - Engels called these early societies "promiscuous hordes" where sexual relationships had no restrictions. But once private property developed, men needed to control women's sexuality to ensure their wealth passed to their actual children.

This led to the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family we recognise today. Suddenly, women became economically dependent on men, expected to be faithful whilst men could do what they liked. It's basically about making sure the right kids inherit the family fortune.

Marxists also believe families brainwash children into accepting inequality. They argue that when kids learn to obey their parents, they're actually being prepared to obey their future bosses without question. The family creates an ideological function - making capitalism seem natural and unchangeable.

Key Point Marxists see the family as a "unit of consumption" where advertisers constantly push families to buy the latest products, generating massive profits for capitalism.

Marxist theory of the family
Marxist theory of the family has several key ideas. They share some things in common with
functionalists, for e

Strengths, Weaknesses and Critics

Consumer culture hits families hard - think about "pester power" when kids nag parents for the latest trainers or gadgets. If you don't have what everyone else has, you get mocked at school. This constant spending keeps the capitalist machine running.

Marxist theory's main strength is recognising that families aren't just about love and cuddles - they genuinely do help maintain inequality. Wealthy families pass down advantages whilst working-class families stay trapped in their circumstances.

However, critics absolutely hammer Marxist theory. It's seen as way too deterministic - basically assuming families have no choice but to follow capitalist patterns. The theory also ignores how different cultures, religions, and ethnicities shape family life in completely different ways.

Functionalists argue Marxists only focus on the negative stuff whilst ignoring all the emotional support and stability families provide. Feminists reckon Marxists miss the point about patriarchy - they're so obsessed with class that they overlook how gender inequality works within families.

Postmodernists think the whole theory is outdated. They argue that in today's world, people have much more freedom to choose different family arrangements, and Marxist theory is too rigid to capture modern family diversity.

Key Point While Marxist theory highlights important economic influences on families, it struggles to explain the full complexity of modern family relationships and individual experiences.

Marxist theory of the family
Marxist theory of the family has several key ideas. They share some things in common with
functionalists, for e

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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

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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

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Sudenaz Ocak

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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

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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.

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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

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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

 

Sociology

150

2 Dec 2025

3 pages

The Role of Family in Marxist Theory: An Essay

T

Tayah Rogers

@tayahrogers_tvgd

Ever wondered how your family might actually be part of a bigger economic system? Marxist theory offers a completely different take on families compared to what you might expect - they see families not just as loving units, but as... Show more

Marxist theory of the family
Marxist theory of the family has several key ideas. They share some things in common with
functionalists, for e

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

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Understanding Marxist Family Theory

Unlike functionalists who see families as brilliant for society, Marxists reckon families are actually part of the problem. They believe families help keep the capitalist system running by maintaining the divide between the wealthy bourgeoisie (owners) and the working-class proletariat (employees).

The biggest function families serve is inheritance of property. Back in primitive communism, everyone shared everything and there weren't really families as we know them - Engels called these early societies "promiscuous hordes" where sexual relationships had no restrictions. But once private property developed, men needed to control women's sexuality to ensure their wealth passed to their actual children.

This led to the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family we recognise today. Suddenly, women became economically dependent on men, expected to be faithful whilst men could do what they liked. It's basically about making sure the right kids inherit the family fortune.

Marxists also believe families brainwash children into accepting inequality. They argue that when kids learn to obey their parents, they're actually being prepared to obey their future bosses without question. The family creates an ideological function - making capitalism seem natural and unchangeable.

Key Point: Marxists see the family as a "unit of consumption" where advertisers constantly push families to buy the latest products, generating massive profits for capitalism.

Marxist theory of the family
Marxist theory of the family has several key ideas. They share some things in common with
functionalists, for e

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Strengths, Weaknesses and Critics

Consumer culture hits families hard - think about "pester power" when kids nag parents for the latest trainers or gadgets. If you don't have what everyone else has, you get mocked at school. This constant spending keeps the capitalist machine running.

Marxist theory's main strength is recognising that families aren't just about love and cuddles - they genuinely do help maintain inequality. Wealthy families pass down advantages whilst working-class families stay trapped in their circumstances.

However, critics absolutely hammer Marxist theory. It's seen as way too deterministic - basically assuming families have no choice but to follow capitalist patterns. The theory also ignores how different cultures, religions, and ethnicities shape family life in completely different ways.

Functionalists argue Marxists only focus on the negative stuff whilst ignoring all the emotional support and stability families provide. Feminists reckon Marxists miss the point about patriarchy - they're so obsessed with class that they overlook how gender inequality works within families.

Postmodernists think the whole theory is outdated. They argue that in today's world, people have much more freedom to choose different family arrangements, and Marxist theory is too rigid to capture modern family diversity.

Key Point: While Marxist theory highlights important economic influences on families, it struggles to explain the full complexity of modern family relationships and individual experiences.

Marxist theory of the family
Marxist theory of the family has several key ideas. They share some things in common with
functionalists, for e

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

3

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Marxist Pedagogy

Most popular content in Sociology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

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