Functionalism and Gender

Question 1

Divisions of labour

Answer 1

• Biological differences between men and women
• Men and women perform different roles in society

Question 2

George Murdock

Answer 2

• Women have the biological function of bearing children
• Women are found in the home
• Gendered division of labour is necessary

Question 3

Parsons and Bales

Answer 3

• Men have an instrumental role
• Women have an expressive role

Question 4

Talcott Parsons

Answer 4

• The nuclear family acts as a ‘warm bath’
• Soothes the man after work so that he is prepared for another day of work

Question 5

Human Capital

Answer 5

• Skills, qualifications, knowledge, work ethic
• Men have higher human capital

Question 6

Gender + Meritocracy

Answer 6

• Men are rewarded in the workplace
• Women are rewarded in the home

Question 7

New Right + Gender

Answer 7

• Nuclear family is the most effecive family type
• Men take dominant roles in the ‘Public sphere of work’
• Women are located in the ‘Private domestic sphere’

Question 8

Phyllis Schlafy

Answer 8

• Marriage and motherhood are the most fulfiling roles
• Women should not work but stay at home
• Traditional nuclear family is the best family type
• Women should not join the military