Couples Flashcards
What do Functionalists and New Right believe about couples?
- Prefer the TNF
- Couples should have segregated conjugal roles.
- Men play the instrumental role and women play the emotional role.
- Division of labour reflects the biological differences between men and women.
How can the ideas of Functionalists and New Right, in relation to couples, be criticised?
- TNF no longer has a division of labour.
- Feminists argue conjugal roles are socially constructed in a patriarchal society.
What did Future Foundations 2000 (research), find?
- Generational change has taken place.
Evidence:
1) 60% of men claimed to do more housework than their father.
2) 75% of women claimed to do less housework than their mother.
What is the sociological definition of power?
- Control over money, resources and decision making.
What have sociological studies found in relation to decision making in the family?
- Whoever contributes the more money to the household, has the most power to make decisions.
Why do Feminists believe that patriarchy is a problem?
- It ensures that women earn less and have less bargaining power in the home.
What are possible reasons for domestic violence?
Give at least three examples.
At least three from:
- Monetary stresses
- Stresses of work life
- Mental health problems
- Cycles of abuse or neglect
What is the definition given to domestic violence?
- Any physical, psychological, sexual and financial abuse that takes place within the family.
What is the traditional view of domestic violence?
- That it is as a result of ‘sick’ individuals
What do Feminists believe about domestic violence?
- It has a social cause rather than a psychological
What did the British Crime Survey (2007) find, and what idea does this support?
- Domestic violence accounts for s sixth of all violent crimes.
Supports the idea that domestic violence is far to widespread to be the consequence of a few sick individuals.
Give at least one example of the patterns in domestic violence.
At least one from:
- It does not occur randomly.
- Most cases are against women
What is the problem with domestic violence rates?
- Lack of validity - many cases go unreported.
What are some of the explanations for domestic violence (2 examples)
- Radical Feminist - emphasise the role of patriarchal ideas, cultural values and institutions.
- Materialist Explanation - emphasises economic factors such as a lack of resources.
What are some possible criticisms for the radical feminist view of domestic violence?
- Fail to explain female violence including child abuse, violence against male partners and in lesbian relationships.
- Assume that all women are equally at risk of domestic violence.
- Fail to explain which women are most at risk of domestic violence.
What evidence is there to show that men ARE victims of domestic violence?
Crime Survey (2013) - 18% of men have experienced domestic violence since age 16.
Give at least three examples of groups of people who are common victims of domestic violence.
At least three from:
- Young women
- Those from lower social classes
- Those living in deprived areas
- Those on low income/financial difficulties
- Those living in rented/shared accommodation
- Those with high levels of alcohol consumption
- Those using illegal drugs
- Those with a long term illness or disability
How might financial problems increase the risk of domestic violence?
- High levels of stress decrease the chances of maintaining stable, caring relationships
- Worries about jobs, money or housing may cause domestic conflict - tempers become frayed.
- Lack of time and money - reduces social support for those experiencing these stresses.
How do radical feminists view domestic violence?
They argue:
- Patriarchal society - main reason why women are most common victims.
- Nuclear family is oppressive towards women.
- Domestic violence is inevitable - gives men control over women.
- Men are the enemy
How do liberal feminists view domestic violence?
- Not all men are abusive/oppressive.
- Changed divorce laws - more freedom
How do Marxist-Feminists view domestic violence?
- Working class women are the most vulnerable to domestic violence.
- Capitalism causes domestic violence - keeps women out of highly paid work - causes financial stresses.
