Episode 3 – The Evolution of Family: From Group Marriage to Monogamy

Welcome to Episode 3 of Origins Unveiled, where we continue exploring Engels' powerful analysis of human society. Today, we trace the historical transformations of the family—from communal beginnings to the institutionalization of monogamy and patriarchy.

In this episode, we examine Section 2: The Family from Friedrich Engels’ The Origin of the Family, Private Property, and the State. Engels investigates the development of family structures through a materialist lens, beginning with kinship systems observed among the Iroquois, which reflect survivals of earlier communal marriage systems. Drawing on examples like the consanguine and punaluan families, he charts the progression toward monogamy, a shift driven by the rise of private property and inheritance laws. Engels argues that this evolution led to the entrenchment of patriarchy, resulting in the subjugation of women, the institutionalization of prostitution, and adultery. He concludes with a visionary idea: that gender equality and love-based monogamy might only be realized with the abolition of private property. This episode challenges us to reflect on how economic systems shape even our most intimate relationships.