44 pages • 1 hour read
Friedrich EngelsThe Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1884A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State, Friedrich Engels explores the evolution of family structures from matriarchal to patriarchal systems, arguing that economic conditions shape social institutions. Engels critiques monogamous marriage, equating it to slavery for women and children, and suggests that reclaiming past family structures could inspire a future free from class oppression. The book includes discussions on incest and outdated, racist views on societal development.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Friedrich Engels' The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State praise the book for its groundbreaking analysis of social evolution and critique of patriarchy and capitalism. Critics note its Marxist framework is foundational yet sometimes outdated and historically selective. Overall, it is a seminal text in understanding socio-economic structures. Engels, Friedrich. The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State.
Who Should Read The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State?
Ideal for those interested in social theory, anthropology, and Marxist thought, readers of Engels' The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State will appreciate detailed critiques of socio-economic structures. Fans of Marx's Capital or Morgan's Ancient Society will find its historical analysis and ideological insights compelling.