Functionalsim

Question 1

Parsons

Answer 1

Women ‘Expressive’ caring role. Men = “Instrumental’ role. Differences are innate, ascribed at birth and contribute to a healthy, smooth running society. Implies that men are more suited to paid employment and women are more suited to domesticity. Women are less motivated and less suited to the labour market than men. Therefore its not surprising that on average they are paid less.

Question 2

Murdock

Answer 2

Womens place is within the home as they are biologically different to men- Their job is to child rear due to biological functions - Also they are not as physically strong as men, meaning they are not meant to work/physically exert themselves as labour demands.

Question 3

Rastogi

Answer 3

Human Capital Theory - Related to the idea that men and women serve different roles and purposes in society. The pay gap is justified because it reflects the fact that men have more ‘human capital’ than women because of their greater focus on the labour market. Women are less committed to paid work and are more likely to take career breaks or opt for part-time work to continue to care for a family. Many women choose to prioritise their role as homemaker, fitting with their maternal instincts.