Couples Revision

Question 1

Parsons 1955 (functionalist)

Answer 1

Expressive role: the role played by women in the family which involves caring, nurturing and supporting children and their husbands

Instrumental role: the role played by men in the family which involves providing economic support for the family

Question 2

Elizabeth Bott 1957

Answer 2

Segregated conjugal roles: clear division and separation between the male and female roles eg: one being the economic provider and the other doing most of the house work

Joint conjugal roles: the couple share tasks such as housework and childcare and spend their leisure time together

Question 3

Willmott and Young 1973

Answer 3

Symmetrical family: a family in which both husband and wife are in employment and both do some housework and provide childcare

Question 4

Duncombe and Marsden 1995

Answer 4

Triple shift

Women are required to perform a triple shift of housework, paid work and emotional work.

Emotional work includes managing the emotions and feelings of family members, such as sorting out arguments between siblings