Func theories on Gender Roles

Question 1

Functionalist theory on genderroles

Answer 1

In a traditional NF, these roles are segregated conjugal roles -the couples have separate and distinct responsibilities
Parsons argues that the husband’s role is the instrumental role - he is the breadwinner, working to financially support the family. The wife’s role is expressive; she is the housewife, responsible for childcare, housework and emotional well being of the family. According to Parsons, this division of labour is natural and normal because it’s based on biological differences between women and men as women are biologically more suited to a caring role. Therefore, as long as a man and woman are carrying out their natural roles they are both fulfilled. Thus segregated divisions of labour benefits everyone.

Question 2

Symmetrical family

Answer 2

Willmot and young take a march of progress view of the family -they claim that gradually,over time family life has become equal for all family members.
They argue that since the 1960s there has been a trend from seg conjugal roles to joint conjugal roles whereby women and men share responsibilities equality. They refer to a family of this type a symmetrical family where both the wife and husband
work outside the home
share housework and childcare tasks
spend their leisure time together