Domestic violence- Families and households

Question 1

What is wrong with the rosy idea of the nuclear family encouraged by functionalists and the new right?

Answer 1

It ignores the dark side of the family including domestic violence

Question 2

What do many assume that domestic violence is due to?

Answer 2

The behavior of those with psychological issues

Question 3

Why can’t domestic violence just be down to those with psychological issues?

Answer 3

It’s too widespread

Question 4

British crimes survey

Answer 4

domestic violence accounts for almost a sixth of all violent crime

Question 5

Marxists and radical feminists

Answer 5

it is the power of men to control women by physical force

Question 6

Davidson

Answer 6

argues that men are also victims of domestic violence

Question 7

Dobash and Dobash

Answer 7

• There is still cultural support to the idea that men have the right to ‘discipline’ their wives/partners
• one main reason is women not completing domestic tasks to the standards of their husbands
• many women still have to rely on men financially, making it harder for them to be able to leave

Question 8

Radical feminists

Answer 8

• Domestic violence is an inevitable feature of patriarchal society
• serves to preserve the power which men have over women

Question 9

Elliot

Answer 9

• Argues that not all men benefit from domestic violence
• Not all men are aggressive and most are opposed to domestic violence
• Radical feminists fail to explain female violence (child abuse/ abuse towards their male partners

Question 10

Wilkinson

Answer 10

• Result of family stress caused by social inequalities
• Those on lower incomes or who are living in overcrowding housing tend to be at greater risk of stress
• Reduces their chances of maintaining a stable and caring relationship
• His studies show that those with less power, status, wealth or income are at greater risk