Couples

Question 1

What is the topic split up into?

Answer 1

1) . Domestic division of labour.
2) . Are couples becoming more equal?
3) . Resources and decision making.
4) . Domestic violence.

Question 2

Which 3 sociologists discuss the domestic division of labour?

Answer 2

1. Parsons (functionalism).
2. Bott (‘march of progress’) –> joint and segregated conjugal roles.
3. Young and Willmott (‘march of progress’) –> symmetrical family.

Question 3

How does Parsons describe the domestic division of labour?

Answer 3

Instrumental and expressive roles =

• Men have an instrumental role –> breadwinner.
• Women have an expressive role –> homemaker/housewife.

Question 4

Do the New Right agree with Parsons?

Answer 4

Yes;

they agree this is natural and the most beneficial way of organising family life.

Question 5

How do feminists reject the functionalist view?

Answer 5

This division of labour isn’t natural (it isn’t found in all societies) and it only benefits men.

Question 6

Who takes a ‘march of progress’ view towards the domestic division of labour?

Answer 6

1). Botts = sees conjugal roles becoming more equal.

Identifies 2 types of conjugal roles;

• Segregated conjugal roles.
• Joint conjugal roles.

2). Young and Willmott = the symmetrical family.

Question 7

What are segregated/joint conjugal roles?

Answer 7

• Segregated =

separate roles –> sharp division of labour between male breadwinner and female homemaker.

• Joint =

couples sharing domestic tasks and leisure time.

Question 8

What did Young and Willmott say about roles within the family?

Answer 8

Long-term trend towards joint conjugal roles and the symmetrical family (roles are being shared).

• Domestic roles =

becoming more equal - men help with housework and childcare.

• Paid work =

women now go out to work.

• Leisure time =

couples spend leisure time together.

Question 9

What are the reasons for the rise in the symmetrical family?

Answer 9

Its due to major social change during the 20th Century, e.g.

• Higher living standards.
• Labour-saving technology.
• Better housing.
• Women working.