Family dynamics

Question 1

Bott

Answer 1

• segregated family roles: differentiated family roles and duties
• joint family roles: less clear differentiation between roles with more fluid sharing of duties
• argues family networks can be strengthened by external close-knit relationships which provides the spouses with support

Question 2

Wilmott & Young (The Symmetrical Family)

Answer 2

• detects a shift from traditional segregated roles to joint roles from 1950s to 1970s in London

Question 3

Oakley (The Sociology of Housework)

Answer 3

• first study to consider housework as “domestic labour”
• found little evidence that roles becoming more symmetrical as women still felt work under appreciated (opposing W&Y 1973 study)

Question 4

Hartmann

Answer 4

women still maintain house work despite increasingly involved in labour market (Genderquake)

Question 5

Mckell & Bell (effects of male unemployment)

Answer 5

• found a strong cultural resistance to idea of women as breadwinner
• men in the study didn’t feel obliged to do housework
• this attitude reinforced by wives who didn’t want to undermine husbands masculinity

Question 6

Edgell

Answer 6

• husband dominated the major decisions
• wife takes smaller decisions

Question 7

Craig

Answer 7

Women have “mother penalty” as having a kid leaves them financially worse off across her life

Question 8

Kan

Answer 8

Men doing more domestic work now than previous generations