Gender roles

Question 1

what two types of domestic setups are distinguished by Bott(1957)

Answer 1

-segregated conjugal roles= husband and wife have separate and distinct roles
-joint conjugal roles= husband and wife share tasks and spend free time together

Question 2

what did Parsons believe regarding the division of labour?

Answer 2

• division of labour was based on biological, natural differences
• therefore they were natural and good for society
• instrumental/expressive

Question 3

how does Goldberg(1977) support Parson’s opinion that division of labour was biological?

Answer 3

Goldberg shows how societies are patriarchal in structure
- male dominance is biologically rooted
- based on physical strength of men

Question 4

describe Wilmott and Youngs research regarding the ‘March of Progress’

Answer 4

• carried out research on london based families
• found that since 70s there had been shift from segregated conjugal roles towards symetrical family
• egalitarian marriage more evident

Question 5

describe Wilmott and Young’s term of ‘march of progress’

Answer 5

• men are more willing to do their share of domestic labour
• relations between sexes were becoming more equitable

Question 6

what is meant by ‘egalitarian marriage’?

Answer 6

husband and wife sharing equal roles and responsibilities at home

Question 7

how might women going to work result in joint conjugal roles within the family?

Answer 7

• women arent present to take care of housework
• men have to therefore contribute

Question 8

how might new technology influence the ‘march of progress’ devised by Wilmott and Young?

Answer 8

• tech such as dishwashers make domestic work easier, so men are more likely to do it

Question 9

what is Oakley’s views on the role of women in the family?

Answer 9

• rejects notion of symmetrical family
• argues patriarchy is still major characteristic of modern family
• women still occupy subordinate role in family and wider society