| Symmetrical Family

Question 1

Who studies the ‘March of Progress’?

Answer 1

Willmott and Young.

Question 2

What is the March of Progress?

Answer 2

They view family life as gradually improving, becoming more equal.

Question 3

What does it mean by ‘symmetrical’ family?

Answer 3

The roles of husbands and wives, not entirely identical, are now similar.

Question 4

Examples of symmetrical family?

Answer 4

• Women now go out to work (can still be part-time).
• Men are involved in household and childcare.
• Couples spend leisure time together rather than with their work colleagues.

Question 5

What did Willmott and Young find out about the trend of symmetrical families?

Answer 5

It was more common with younger couples.

Question 6

What were the four major social changes of the century?

Answer 6

Changes in women’s positions- married women going out to work.
Geographical mobility- couples living away from the communities they grew up in.
New tech- labour saving devices.
Higher standards of living.

Question 7

How can these (social changes) be interlinked?

Answer 7

Women can bring a second wage to the house which can improve the standard of living e.g labour saving devices.