families and households Flashcards
what is domestic division of labor?
the roles in which men and women play in relation to house work.
what are the clear divisions of labor according to parson’s functionalist model of the family.
[1] the husband has an instrumental role, geared towards achieving success at work so he can provide for the family.
[2] the wife has an expressive role geared towards the primary socialisation of the children (homemaker not wage earner)
what does parsons argue the division of labor is based on ?
he argues that is is based on biological differences as women are ‘naturally’ suited to the nurturing role and men, the provider.
what conservative political group hold the same opinion as parsons in regards to what the division of labor is based on?
new right
why do feminist sociologists reject parsons view?
they argue that the division of labor only benefits men
give two criticisms of parsons view on the division of labor
[1] young and willmott (1962) argue that men are taking a greater share of domestic tasks and wives are becoming wage earners.
[2] feminists reject his view as it only benefits men.
two types of conjugal roles according to Elizabeth bott (1957)
[1] segregated - where couples have separate distinct roles. and separate leisure activities. i.e men as the breadwinners and women as homemakers
[2] joint - where couples share tasks such as housework and childcare and spend leisure time together
what pattern did young and willmott identify in segregated conjugal roles?
[in their study of working class extended families in east ldn in the 50s] men were breadwinners, played little part in Homelife and spent leisure time with workmates in pubs and working men’s clubs.
women were full time housewives with the sole responsibility of childcare and housework. limited leisure time was spent with female kin.
