Couples

Question 1

What do Functionalists and New Right believe about couples?

Answer 1

• Prefer the TNF
• Couples should have segregated conjugal roles.
• Men play the instrumental role and women play the emotional role.
• Division of labour reflects the biological differences between men and women.

Question 2

How can the ideas of Functionalists and New Right, in relation to couples, be criticised?

Answer 2

• TNF no longer has a division of labour.

- Feminists argue conjugal roles are socially constructed in a patriarchal society.

Question 3

What did Future Foundations 2000 (research), find?

Answer 3

• Generational change has taken place.

Evidence:

1) 60% of men claimed to do more housework than their father.
2) 75% of women claimed to do less housework than their mother.

Question 4

What is the sociological definition of power?

Answer 4

• Control over money, resources and decision making.

Question 5

What have sociological studies found in relation to decision making in the family?

Answer 5

• Whoever contributes the more money to the household, has the most power to make decisions.

Question 6

Why do Feminists believe that patriarchy is a problem?

Answer 6

• It ensures that women earn less and have less bargaining power in the home.

Question 7

What are possible reasons for domestic violence?

Give at least three examples.

Answer 7

At least three from:

• Monetary stresses
• Stresses of work life
• Mental health problems
• Cycles of abuse or neglect

Question 8

What is the definition given to domestic violence?

Answer 8

• Any physical, psychological, sexual and financial abuse that takes place within the family.

Question 9

What is the traditional view of domestic violence?

Answer 9

• That it is as a result of ‘sick’ individuals

Question 10

What do Feminists believe about domestic violence?

Answer 10

• It has a social cause rather than a psychological

Question 11

What did the British Crime Survey (2007) find, and what idea does this support?

Answer 11

• Domestic violence accounts for s sixth of all violent crimes.

Supports the idea that domestic violence is far to widespread to be the consequence of a few sick individuals.

Question 12

Give at least one example of the patterns in domestic violence.

Answer 12

At least one from:

• It does not occur randomly.
• Most cases are against women

Question 13

What is the problem with domestic violence rates?

Answer 13

• Lack of validity - many cases go unreported.

Question 14

What are some of the explanations for domestic violence (2 examples)

Answer 14

• Radical Feminist - emphasise the role of patriarchal ideas, cultural values and institutions.
• Materialist Explanation - emphasises economic factors such as a lack of resources.

Question 15

What are some possible criticisms for the radical feminist view of domestic violence?

Answer 15

• Fail to explain female violence including child abuse, violence against male partners and in lesbian relationships.
• Assume that all women are equally at risk of domestic violence.
• Fail to explain which women are most at risk of domestic violence.

Question 16

What evidence is there to show that men ARE victims of domestic violence?

Answer 16

Crime Survey (2013)
- 18% of men have experienced domestic violence since age 16.

Question 17

Give at least three examples of groups of people who are common victims of domestic violence.

Answer 17

At least three from:

• Young women
• Those from lower social classes
• Those living in deprived areas
• Those on low income/financial difficulties
• Those living in rented/shared accommodation
• Those with high levels of alcohol consumption
• Those using illegal drugs
• Those with a long term illness or disability

Question 18

How might financial problems increase the risk of domestic violence?

Answer 18

• High levels of stress decrease the chances of maintaining stable, caring relationships
• Worries about jobs, money or housing may cause domestic conflict - tempers become frayed.
• Lack of time and money - reduces social support for those experiencing these stresses.

Question 19

How do radical feminists view domestic violence?

Answer 19

They argue:

• Patriarchal society - main reason why women are most common victims.
• Nuclear family is oppressive towards women.
• Domestic violence is inevitable - gives men control over women.
• Men are the enemy

Question 20

How do liberal feminists view domestic violence?

Answer 20

• Not all men are abusive/oppressive.

- Changed divorce laws - more freedom

Question 21

How do Marxist-Feminists view domestic violence?

Answer 21

• Working class women are the most vulnerable to domestic violence.
• Capitalism causes domestic violence - keeps women out of highly paid work - causes financial stresses.