The origin of the family, private property, and the state

"The Origin of the Family, Private Property, and the State" by Friedrich Engels is a late 19th-century scientific book that shows how families, economies, and governments are connected and develop together over time because of real-world conditions. The book examines how societies changed from early family groups to modern states with private property. It starts by recognizing the work of Lewis Henry Morgan, who studied early societies in North America. Engels argues that family history is tied to economic changes and class conflicts, challenging old stories about families and property. He suggests that how society is organized depends on who controls resources and relationships, setting the stage for looking at larger questions about societal progress and broader political issues.