Analysis on the “The Origin of Family Private Property and the State”

-- On writing background, main content and practical significance

Abstract

The Origin of Family Private Property and the State” is an important work written by Engels in his later years on the basis of historical materialism. It is a model of the application of Marxist historical materialism and a classic of the ideological treasure house of scientific socialist theoretical system. Using the research methods of anthropology and history and based on the theory of Marxist historical materialism, Engels clarified the social structure and development course of primitive society, and revealed the nature of private ownership, class and state as well as the historical law of development. Reviewing this classic is of great significance for us to have a thorough understanding of the general situation of primitive society, deepen our understanding of private ownership, class and the state, master the methods of historical materialism, grasp the essential defects of capitalist countries and grasp the superiority of people's democracy in the whole process of socialism.