The Hegelian Family: An Analysis of the Nuclear Family Structure under the Capitalist Gaze

Abstract

My senior project is an analysis of Hegel's work in The Philosophy of Right particularly his family section that details familial roles, gender roles, and expectations of each individual within civil society. I argue that the Hegelian family structure is not ubiquitous under the political and economic schema of civil society. Through Marx's "Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right" and "Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts", I challenge Hegel's idealism and lack of reality in his formation of the role of the family in society. Hegel neglects to acknowledge his ideal family structure is designed for the benefit of the bourgeoise family and neglects the other groups of people in society. This family structure aids in the distinction of class disparities when only the bourgeoise class will be the only participants within civil society that can contribute financially to the growth and expansion of the state.