The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State

Friedrich Engels

jun 2022 · DigiCat

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Friedrich Engels' 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' is a seminal work of Marxist theory that delves into the historical development of family structures, private property ownership, and the formation of the state. Engels thoroughly examines the transition from primitive societies to class-based society, highlighting the role of economic factors in shaping social relationships. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book is a key text for those interested in understanding the foundations of modern capitalism and the dynamics of social change. Engels' analysis is informed by his close collaboration with Karl Marx, making it a central text in the Marxist canon. Engels draws on anthropological, historical, and economic insights to construct his argument, providing a well-rounded perspective on the origins of social inequality.

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Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) was a German philosopher, social scientist, journalist, and businessman who, alongside his better-known collaborator Karl Marx, developed the theory of communism and co-authored key works that laid the foundation for Marxist thought. Renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, Engels' contributions span political economy, history, sociology, and revolutionary theory. His seminal work 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' examined the historical development of family structures and gender relations, tying them to social and economic conditions. This 1884 publication delves into the intersection of private property and patriarchal social arrangements, arguing that the rise of the state was intrinsically linked to the control of property rights and the subjugation of women, a perspective deeply influential in feminist theory and anthropology. With a scholarly style that combined rigorous research with astute criticism of contemporary society, Engels left a profound mark on social theory. Posthumously, his works have been continuously analyzed and applied within various ideological and academic circles, underscoring his legacy as a pioneering figure in the development of socialist thought.