From his research on family life, Eli Zaretsky argued that modern capitalist society creates the idea that the family is separate from the economy. However, he suggested that the family actually plays an important role in supporting capitalism.

Zaretsky said that families act as units of consumption, buying goods and services that help keep the capitalist system going. He also argued that although the family seems to offer emotional support, this is only a temporary break from the stress and alienation people feel at work. Overall, Zaretsky believed that the family benefits capitalism more than it benefits its members.

Source: Adapted from Zaretsky, E., Capitalism, the Family and Personal Life, 1976.