Final answer:
Radical Marxist feminists interpret gender inequality through the lens of Marxism and feminism, examining family structure as influenced by patriarchal power dynamics, with insights from theorists like Friedrich Engels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radical Marxist feminists base their views of gender inequality on the theoretical insights primarily derived from Marxism and feminism. This school of feminist theory views the family as a microcosm of society where patriarchal structures perpetuate male dominance. It shares with Marxism an understanding of the class struggle, applying it to the dynamics of gender relations within the family, where men often hold more power and economic control, akin to the bourgeoisie, leaving women in the proletariat position.
Within this paradigm, Friedrich Engels is a key figure, having studied family structure and gender roles. He equated the labor force's owner-worker relationship to the household dynamics, identifying women's economic dependency on men as a source of lower power. In contemporary times, it's noted that women's entry into wage earning can shift family power dynamics towards more democratic arrangements, yet women often continue to shoulder the majority of domestic responsibilities.