Topic 1- Couples

Question 1

what 2 roles did parsons recognise in couples?

Answer 1

• instrumental role
• expressive role

Question 2

explain the instrumental role in the couple

Answer 2

• husband’s role
• geared towards success at work
• providing for the family
• breadwinner

Question 3

explain the expressive role in the couple

Answer 3

• wife’s role
• focus on primary socialisation of children
• meeting families emotional needs
• homemaker/housewife

Question 4

what does Parsons say the division of labour is based on?

Answer 4

• biological differences
• women are more naturally suited to nurture

Question 5

which sociologists criticise parsons’ view?

2 sociologists, 1 group

Answer 5

• michael young and peter willmott 1962
• feminists

Question 6

what do michael young and peter 1962 willmott say about parsons’ view on division of labour

Answer 6

• men are now taking a greater share of domestic tasks
• wives are becoming wage earners

Question 7

what do feminists say about parsons’ view on division of labour

Answer 7

• reject the division of labour is natural
• only benefits men

Question 8

what 2 conjugal roles does Elizabeth Bott 1957 recognise?

Answer 8

• segregated conjugal roles
• joint conjugal roles

Question 9

who idetified conjugal roles in 1957?

Answer 9

Elizabeth bott

Question 10

what is a segregated conjugal role?

Answer 10

• couple have separate roles
• leisure activities tend to be separate

Question 11

what is a joint conjugal role?

Answer 11

• couple shares domestic tasks
• spend leisure time together

Question 12

what view do young and willmott have on families?

Answer 12

‘march of progress’

Question 13

what is a march of progress view?

Answer 13

• family life is gradually improving for all its members
• it is becoming more equal
• there is a long term trend away from segregated conjugal roles

Question 14

what is a symmetrical family?

Answer 14

• the roles of husbands and wives are more equal and similar

Question 15

what 4 social changes have helped symmetrical families rise?

Answer 15

• changes in women’s position
• geographical mobility
• new technology
• higher living standards

Question 16

what group reject march of progress view?

Answer 16

feminists

Question 17

what does ann oakley 1974 argue about young and willmott’s view on the symmetrical family?

Answer 17

• their claims are exaggerated
• they said most husbands helped their wives at least once a week
• does not state how many times or what they are doing
• could only be one occasion