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Basic Marxism : A short study guide to Marxism
Basic marxismSession 3: The Family
Subject matter: The institution of the family arises in the era of private property and functions as a prop of class society. Marriage and the family change throughout the various stages of capitalism but always these institutions have two characteristics - the subordination of women and the reinforcement of class rule. The revolt of women against their inferior status is a powerful component of the socialist revolution given correct leadership. The fight for women’s liberation does not end with the socialist revolution but continues under new and more favourable conditions. Essential reading: Ernest Mandel - From Class Society to Communism. Ch 1-3 pp 11-32 Evelyn Reed - Problems of Women’s Liberation Questions for discussion: 1. Why was the father family necessary for the development of class society? 2. What is the economic function of the family? 3. What impact has the ’Welfare State’ had on the family and the role of women? 4. Is the existence of the nuclear family as we know it indispensable to capitalism? 5. How has the role of women in the family been reflected in the position of women in society? 6. What is the difference between the role that the women’s liberation movement can play in leading the struggle for women’s liberation and the role of the revolutionary party? 7. Will there be a need for the autonomous women’s movement after the working class seizure of power? Further reading: Frederick Engels - The Origin of the Family Private Property and the State
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