Lesson 2 - Gender Inequality - Functionalism

Question 1

What do Functionalists argue about gender inequality (thesis statement)

Answer 1

Males n Females have separate social roles based on biological differences

Question 2

What are the differences Functionalists talk about in gender differences (relating to thesis statement)

Answer 2

Females reproduce therefore main role is to socialise/look after children

Females have role of domesticity (housework)

Males have dominant/economic role (breadwinner)

Question 3

What is Murdock(1949) saying about women

Answer 3

[studies 200 pre-industrialised socieities]

Found females located in home due to biological function of child bearing. Less able to do physically strenuous n economic work

Females expected to be nurturing/caring for kids

Question 4

What is Murdock(1949) saying about men

Answer 4

[studies 200 pre-industrialised socieities]

Males located outside of home providing for family

Males doing tasks which required them to be physically strong

Question 5

What did Murdock(1949) conclude

Answer 5

Gender differences due to biological differences that exist between males n females

Therefore males n females should perform tasks physically suited to them

Males suited to go work
Females suited to stay at home

Question 6

(+) Parsons isolated nuclear family supports Murdock

Answer 6

Functionalist work in general talks about biological differences, Parsons research is an example of this

Question 7

(-) Mead(1900) in the Mundugumor tribe in New Guinea contradicts Murdock

Answer 7

Males n Females both aggressive n masculine

Females behaved like males, performed same tasks as them

Contradicts Murdock suggesting gender equality in society can be achieved

Question 8

What is Parsons(1953) saying

Answer 8

Two roles

Instrumental - males

Expressive - femalesk