Title
The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State (Penguin Classics),Used
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
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.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' about? A: 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' is a critique of the Victorian nuclear family, arguing that the traditional monogamous household is a recent construct tied to capitalist societies. Engels discusses the implications of this system on women's roles and advocates for communal living through Communism.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' is Friedrich Engels, a prominent philosopher and political theorist.
- Q: When was this edition published? A: This reissue edition was published on June 29, 2010.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains 320 pages.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is well-suited for academic study, particularly in fields like sociology, history, and political science due to its critical analysis of family structures and economic systems.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes in the book include the critique of the nuclear family, the relationship between property and family structure, and the role of Communism in achieving social equality.
- Q: Is this book considered a classic? A: Yes, 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State' is considered a classic in Marxist literature and is widely studied for its insights into family and social structures.
- Q: What makes this book influential? A: The book is influential because it challenges traditional views of family and property, offering a radical perspective that has shaped discussions in sociology and political theory.
- Q: Can this book be read by those unfamiliar with Marxism? A: Yes, while it discusses complex ideas, the book can be understood by readers who are new to Marxism, especially with some background in social theory.