domestic division of labour Flashcards
what did Parson’s say about the division of labour between men and women?
1) instrumental role: the husband goes to work and provides for the family. He’s the breadwinner.
2) expressive role: the wife provides emotional support for the family and does the domestic duties in the household
what does parsons bases these two roles on?
He bases these roles on the biological differences between men and women, that women suit the nurturing role and men suit the provider role.
what do postmodernists critique parson’s expressive and instrumentalist theory?
They say that his theory is outdated and no longer relevant because society has changed women now work and men take on domestic roles. His theory also ignores same-sex couples.
what two roles did Bott come up with?
segregated roles: couples have separate roles, e.g. male breadwinner and female homemaker.
joint roles: couples share tasks e.g. housework and spend leisure time together.
Ann Oakley: criticised Bott’s theory
She said that even in families where both partners work, women still do most housework. Men “help out” occasionally but do not share equal responsibility.
what did young & wilmott say about the symmetrical family?
A concept developed by Young & Wilmott arguing that family roles are becoming more equal. Couples are becoming more joint and sharing the tasks within the household.
what is the march of progress view by Young & Willmott?
The march of progress is about how family life has improved over time, becoming more equal. Men and women share housework and childcare more than in the past.
