Families - Couples

Question 1

Domestic Division of Labour

Answer 1

Parsons

Men and women have biologically suited roles that are functional for society:

Expressive role - Women = Homemaker (involves cooking, cleaning and looking after children)

Instrumental role - Men = Breadwinner (involves paid work, earning the income for the family)

Bott

Segregated conjugal roles - Division of labour between men and women, couple spends leisure time separately

Joint conjugal roles - couples share domestic tasks and leisure time.

Wilmott and Young

There are now more symmetrical families as a result of increased joint conjugal roles

Question 2

Are Couples More Equal?

Answer 2

MARCH OF PROGRESS

The ‘new man’ means couples have an equal share of housework and childcare.

DUAL BURDEN

Women now do paid work and domestic work
(Feri and Smith).

TRIPLE SHIFT

Women not only carry the dual burden of paid and domestic work, but also have to do the emotional work (Duncombe and Marsden).

Question 3

Decision-Making

Answer 3

DECISION MAKING

MATERIAL EXPLANATION

Men have more power in decision making because they earn more.

CULTURAL EXPLANATION

Gender role socialisation instils the view that men are the primary decision makers.

Question 4

Domestic Abuse

Answer 4

DOBASH AND DOBASH:

Marriage and the nuclear family is the key institution of patriarchy, and the main source of women’s oppression. Domestic violence is inevitable because it serves to preserve the power men have over women.

ANSLEY:

Domestic violence is the product of capitalism: males workers are exploited at work and take their frustration out on their wives.

WILKINSON:

Domestic violence is the result of stress on the family caused by social inequality.

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