A Symmetrical Family

Question 1

symmetrical family - young & willmott

Answer 1

modern family has become a symmetrical family

• less patriarchal
• more equally balanced
• domestic division changed from segregated conjugal roles to integrated conjugal roles

Question 2

symmetrical family - improved living standards in the home

Answer 2

modern consumer goods encourages partners to become home-centred

Question 3

symmetrical family - decline of the close-knit extended family

Answer 3

less pressure to maintain traditional roles

Question 4

symmetrical family - improved status/rights of women

Answer 4

women in paid employment demand sharing of household tasks

men more likely to see them equally than housewives/mothers

Question 5

symmetrical family - increase in number of women in paid employment

Answer 5

reduces gender inequality, females spend less time on housework
women have their own income so more involved in decision-making

Question 6

symmetrical family - increase in number of women in paid employment (criticism)

Answer 6

kan;

slow process as men contribute to masculine-defined non-routine tasks so women still do the bulk of household tasks

Question 7

symmetrical family - commercialisation of housework

Answer 7

consumer goods/services take responsibilities of housework off women
afforded by her income
housework more easier for men to do

Question 8

symmetrical family - commercialisation of housework (criticism)

Answer 8

only applies to women with good income

Question 9

symmetrical family - weaker gender identities

Answer 9

postmodernists;

couples pick ‘n’ mix roles and identities based on personal choice > traditional gender roles