The origin of the family, private property, and the state

by Friedrich Engels

Other authorsLewis Henry Morgan
Paper Book, 1972

Status

Checked out

Publication

New York, Pathfinder Press [1972]

Description

The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State(1884), was a provocative and profoundly influential critique of the Victorian nuclear family. Engels argued that the traditional monogamous household was in fact a recent construct, closely bound up with capitalist societies. Under this patriarchal system, women were servants and, effectively, prostitutes. Only Communism would herald the dawn of communal living and a new sexual freedom and, in turn, the role of the state would become superfluous.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Fledgist
The classic Marxist view of the evolution of society.
LibraryThing member Urbandale
Leacock's introduction and editorial notes make this version practically essential.
LibraryThing member the.ken.petersen
Interesting, but showing its age.

Language

Original publication date

1884

Physical description

187 p.; 22 cm
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