Couples/gender Roles qs Flashcards
What are conjugal roles?
Conjugal roles refer to the roles played by partners in a marriage or cohabiting relationship, particularly in terms of domestic responsibilities, decision-making, and childcare.
Describe the difference between joint and segregated conjugal roles
Joint conjugal roles involve partners sharing household tasks and spending leisure time together. Joint conjugal roles are associated with Young and Willmott’s concept of symmetrical families where roles have become more symmetrical.
Segregated roles have a clear division of labour with the male as the breadwinner and the female as the homemaker. Leisure time is often spent separately with men socialising outside the home.
Outline three factors which may have led to relationships becoming more symmetrical
More women now work full-time or part-time, reducing their dependence on men and leading to a more balanced division of domestic labour. This shift has encouraged men to take on more household and childcare responsibilities.
The development of household appliances (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners) has reduced the time needed for domestic work, making it easier for men to contribute.
Feminism and campaigns for gender equality have challenged traditional gender roles, promoting shared responsibilities.
Does the weight of evidence support the view that relationships have become symmetrical? Explain
Young and Willmott’s research found that relationships have become more equal with both men and women contributing to domestic work and childcare. This is linked to social changes like women in employment
However Oakley criticises Young and Willmott’s research arguing that men’s contribution to housework is exaggerated. Even in households where men “helped,” women still did the majority of domestic tasks.
What are gender scripts?
Gender scripts are the socially constructed expectations and norms that dictate how individuals should behave based on their gender. These scripts shape attitudes, behaviours and roles within relationships, work and society.
Why might lesbian couples lack traditional gender roles?
There is an absence of traditional gender scripts in lesbian couples meaning they are not bound by pre-set roles, allowing them to negotiate household responsibilities more equally
Outline two ways in which power relationships are expressed
Domestic violence- Dobash and Dobash argue that domestic violence a a mechanism of patriarchy used in relationships to reinforce male dominance over women. They found many cases of domestic violence arise when women challenge male authority, suggesting that violence is used to maintain traditional power structures.
Division of labour- Oakley suggests that women often do a disproportionate share of housework and childcare, even when working full-time, reinforcing male dominance in relationships.
Summarise the personal life perspective on gender roles
Gender roles are not just about men being breadwinners and women being caregivers. Instead, they are shaped by personal experiences, emotions and social interactions.
Individuals may create their own roles based on their unique circumstances, rather than conforming to societal norms.
Summarise two key explanations for domestic violence
Radical feminists argue that domestic violence is a tool of patriarchy, used by men to maintain power and control over women. Dobash & Dobash found that many violent incidents occurred when women challenged male authority, suggesting that domestic violence reinforces male dominance in relationships.
Marxist feminist such as Ainsley argue that women are ‘takers of shit’ and act as an outlet for men’s frustrations towards being exploited by capitalism
