The Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State

"The Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State" by Friedrich Engels analyzes how human social structures evolved. Engels argues that early societies were communal, sharing resources and kinship bonds. As surplus food was produced, private property emerged, leading to social inequalities. This shift fostered the development of family units rooted in property rights, often favoring men. To maintain control and hierarchy, the state formed as an apparatus of ruling class interests. Overall, Engels links these changes to economic shifts from communal living to property-based societies, shaping social and political institutions we see today.