Which sociological perspective is often characterized as anti-family?

The correct answer is Marxism, as this perspective critiques family structures primarily in terms of the roles they play in supporting capitalism and perpetuating class inequalities. Marxists argue that the traditional family serves to reinforce social norms and values that benefit the ruling class, maintaining a status quo that suppresses the working class. From this viewpoint, families often perpetuate power dynamics and economic disparities, leading to the argument that conventional family structures can be oppressive rather than beneficial for all members of society.

In contrast, perspectives like Functionalism emphasize the positive roles of the family, including socialization, emotional support, and stability in society. Functionalists view families as vital institutions that contribute to societal balance. Interactionism, on the other hand, focuses on day-to-day interactions and meanings within families, without necessarily labeling the family structure itself as negative. Feminism, while critiquing certain aspects of the family, particularly regarding gender roles and inequalities, does not adopt an outright anti-family stance but rather seeks to reform family structures for gender equality. Thus, Marxism is uniquely positioned in its critical view of family as a mechanism that can sustain economic and social inequities.