Explaining The Gendered Division Of Labour

Question 1

What are the two explanations for the unequal division of labour according to Crompton and Lyonette (2008)?

Answer 1

1. Cultural Explanation: Unequal
   division of labour is due to patriarchal norms and values that shape gender roles.
2. Material Explanation: Women’s lower earnings make it economically rational for them to do more housework and childcare, while men focus on earning money.

Question 2

What evidence supports the material explanation of the gendered division of labour?

Man Ye Kan (2001)

Answer 2

For every additional £10,000 a woman earns, she does two hours less housework per week, indicating that higher earnings correlate with less domestic work.

Question 3

What evidence supports the cultural explanation of the gendered division of labour?
Gershuny (1994)

Answer 3

1. Couples with more equal parental role models are more likely to share housework equally. This gradual shift, termed ‘lagged adaptation’, reflects changing social values towards women working full-time.

Question 4

What evidence supports the cultural explanation of the gendered division of labour?
British Attitudes Survey (2013)

Answer 4

Less than 10% of people under 35 agreed with a traditional division of labour, compared to 30% of those over 65, suggesting a cultural shift towards more equal relationships.

Question 5

What evidence supports the cultural explanation of the gendered division of labour?
Dunne

Answer 5

-Lesbian couples have more symmetrical relationships because they are not bound by traditional gender scripts, allowing for more equal sharing of domestic tasks.

Question 6

Evidence for the material explanation
Arber and Gin

Answer 6

-High Standard of Living=Equality in domestic roles is influenced by social class.
-Middle Class=Can afford full-day childcare and time-saving devices, leading to more equality.
-Working Class=Limited resources result in a cycle of childcare responsibilities and low-paid, part-time work.

Question 7

Evidence for the material explanation
Silver and Schor - New Technology

Answer 7

-Commercialisation:
-Concept=Housework has become commercialised.
-Detail=Items and services previously made at home are now mass-produced and available in supermarkets.
-Impact of Technology:
Examples=Freezers, microwave ovens, ready meals.
Reduces the amount of domestic labor required.
-Burden on Working Women:
-Benefit=Working women can afford these services, decreasing their housework burden.