Criticisms of Family

Marxist Criticisms of Family

• Marxists view the family as a tool used by the capitalist system to uphold social inequalities.
• They argue that families are responsible for the reproduction of labour power, as they bear and rear the next generation of workers.
• Furthermore, they suggest that the family unit reinforces the gender division of labour, perpetuating the oppression of women.
• Marxists also claim that family life instils values of passivity and obedience which serve the interests of a capitalist system.

Feminist Criticisms of Family

• Feminists criticise the traditional family structure for its role in reinforcing gender inequalities.
• They suggest the family is a key site where patriarchal values are reproduced, through the socialisation of children into traditional gender roles.
• The family is also criticised for the unequal distribution of household chores, with women often bearing a dual burden of paid work and domestic labour.
• Radical feminists argue that family life perpetuates male power and control, with some suggesting it is the root cause of male violence against women.

Functionalism Criticisms of Family

• Functionalists generally view the family in a favourable light, yet their perspective has been criticised for its idealised view of the family.
• Critics argue that functionalism perpetuates the image of the traditional nuclear family and fails to consider the diversity of family forms.
• There is criticism that the functionalist view doesn’t acknowledge the dysfunctions of family life, such as domestic abuse.
• It is also suggested that functionalism’s focus on consensus and harmony overlooks instances of conflict and inequality within families.

New Right Criticisms of Family

• The New Right perspective has been criticised for its strong preference for the traditional nuclear family, viewed as overly simplistic.
• Critics argue that it stigmatises individuals living in other family forms, including single-parent families and same-sex families.
• They also suggest the New Right perspective ignores the positive aspects of change in family structures, such as increased gender equality.
• Additionally, it is argued that the New Right blame social problems on the decline of traditional family values rather than addressing wider socioeconomic issues.

Remember, each critique is rooted in broader sociological theories and perspectives. It’s important to link the points back to these wider concepts in your understanding. Consider how different perspectives might respond to these criticisms to further deepen your analysis.