divison of domestic labours Flashcards
what did George Murdoch (1949) define the family as?
a social group characterised by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction
What does Murdoch find all families contained?
a basic nucleus (core) that held:
- a husband and wife
- one or more children
what was parson’s view on the domestic division of labour?
the instrumental and expressive roles
husband = instrumental, achieving success at work so he is able to financially provide for the family = breadwinner
wife = expressive, primary socialisation of the children and meeting the emotional needs of the family
why does parson believe is the reason for the expressive/impressive roles in the family
these differences are based on biological differences
= women are naturally suited for a more nurturing role
= men are naturally suited for a provider role
what are some criticisms of Parsons?
- Young and Willmot (1962) argued men are now taking a greater share of domestic tasks and more wives are likely to be in paid employment
- feminists reject parsons idea, as they believe they are the result of patriarchal ideas
what did Elizabeth Bott (1957) argue?
joint and segregated conjugal roles
what were segregated conjugal roles?
where the couple has separate roles,
male breadwinner and female housewife
as well as, their leisure activities also tend to be different
what were joint conjugal roles?
where the couple shares tasks such as housework, childcare and leisure time together
what did Young and Willmott argue?
the symmetrical family, as they take a ‘march of progress’ views
= as the family gradually improves for all it members, becoming more equal and democratic
they argue the three characteristics of a symmetrical family are:
- home centred
- nuclear in structure
- joint conjugal roles
where did young and willmott find the symmetrical family was more common?
- younger couples
- those who are more affluent (better off)
- those who are geographically and socially isolated
why might changes in the position of women lead to an increase in the symmetrical family?
- equal pay act
= women are likely to get better well-paid jobs
= fight for equality - women are entitled to more/better education
- have more control of their life
why might new technology lead to an increase in symmetrical family?
- working from home is more popular
= adults are more present in the home, instead of continuous work
= able to do household tasks, able to have more family time e.g holidays
= able to work remotely
why did raised standards of living, create more symmetrical families?
people nowadays, specifically m/c are able to pay for ‘domestic saving devices’, such as cleaners or nanny’s
= takes the burden off of m/c parents, specifically mothers
= allows m/c mothers to focus on bettering their careers
what is the feminist view on ‘march of progress view’?
they reject the idea that roles in the family are becoming more symmetrical, they argue little has changed and women still do predominantly more housework/childcare
what is ann oakley’s view on young and willmott’s view on the symmetrical family?
their claims are exaggerated
Young and Willmott found that most husbands they
interviewed ‘helped’ their wives at least once a week, oakley argued this could include simply taking the children for a walk or making breakfast
