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Read Item D below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 6
Read Item D below and answer the question that follows. Item D Marxist sociologists argue that families continue to perform a key role in maintaining capitalism. F... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item D below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Applying material from Item D
Answer
Marxist sociologists suggest that families are integral in maintaining the capitalist system. They facilitate economic stability by nurturing individuals who contribute to the workforce, while also instilling the necessary ideological framework that justifies capitalism. Families transmit values such as hard work and the acceptance of authority, which are essential for the perpetuation of capitalist structures. Furthermore, they help in reproducing the labor force and socializing children to accept their future roles within the capitalist economy.
Step 2
Evaluate Marxist explanations of the role of families in society today
Answer
While Marxist theories provide valuable insights into the functional aspects of families within capitalism, some critiques point out their overemphasis on economics and ideology at the expense of individual agency. Critics argue that families can also be sites of emotional support and fulfillment, thereby serving a broader social function beyond mere capitalism. For instance, in contemporary society, many family structures accommodate diverse roles and responsibilities that transcend traditional capitalist expectations. Additionally, feminist and postmodern critiques broaden the discourse by challenging the patriarchal assumptions within Marxist theory, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of family dynamics that considers gender, social class, and individual experiences.