3. Key Terms The Bourgeoisie (Ruling Class) They own the means of production and exploit the lower classes.
4. Key Terms The Proletariat (Working Class) They are the subject class, exploited and controlled by the bourgeoisie.
5. Key Terms Ideology The bourgeoisie use ideology to gain acceptance and maintain the ‘false consciousness’ in order to prevent a revolution.
6. Key Terms Revolution! The proletariat will become ‘Class Conscious’ and become aware of the exploitation.
7. Before the capitalist system emerged there was no family structure. Everyone shared the labour communally. All members of society owned the means of production. This was called a classless society.
8. Monogamous Nuclear Family Marx and Engles – believed that the monogamous nuclear family was developed as a way to pass on private property to heirs. Only through monogamous relationships can the family ensure that their home, capital etc is passed on to the correct heirs.
9. Marxism and the family. The nuclear family supports the capitalist system! Family members are taught to submit to the capitalist system. Why do your mummy and daddy go to work? . . .To earn pennies!
10. When children are socialised they are taught to accept their position in society. They are taught that it is vital to work. They are taught the hierarchy of the system. (The family represents society)
11. The family acts as a comforter to the proletariat. Helping individuals ‘damp down’ the effects of capitalism.
12. Zaretsky (1976) The family performs an ideological function, offering the worker a ‘haven’ from the harsh exploitive world of capitalism.
13. Marx and Engles argued that a women’s role in the family was similar to a prostitutes. . . . . . . She provided sex (for a heir) in return for protection.
14. The family is now a ‘UNIT OF CONSUMPTION’ Children are targeted as consumers. They have ‘pester power’. Children are stigmatized for not having the latest fashion trends. Adverts promote the ‘ideal family’ type.
15. Criticisms of Marxism What about men who marry for love? And not to pass down property? Many women work and don’t need to marry and conceive for protection. Marxism ignores other family types. Ignores the ‘functions’ that a family can play, with support, emotional security etc. Feminists argue that Marxism places too much importance on class and not enough on patriarchy.
16. Key Term Revision Write a definition for each key term: Conflict Theory Bourgeoisie Proletariat False Class Conscious Class Conscious Ideology Exploitation Revolution Means of Production Relations of Production
17. Fill in your next section on your A3 sheet. The sub-heading should be Marxism. Ensure you include some of the key terms. Activity
