Symmetrical Debate

Question 1

Willmott and young

Answer 1

March of progress’ - Family life improving, becoming more equal and democratic.
-Historical Study=1950s research on WC extended families in Bethnal Green, East London.
-Found =Segregated Conjugal Roles
Men: Breadwinners, leisure with workmates.
Women: Caregivers, sole responsibility for housework and childcare, leisure with female relatives.
-1973 Study=Identified a shift towards joint conjugal roles and the symmetrical family.
-Symmetrical Family Characteristics
- Both partners involved in paid work.
- Shared domestic work and childcare.
- Leisure time spent together.

Question 2

AO3 Willmott and young

Answer 2

-Oakley rejects the ‘march of progress’ view presented by Willmott and Young.
-Oakley argues that their findings exaggerate the extent of change towards equality in family roles.
-triple shift

Question 3

AO1 Sullivan

Answer 3

-Over 25 years, there has been an increase in men doing more domestic labor.
-More couples now have an equal division of labor, and men are doing traditional ‘women’s tasks’ more often.
- In 1975, 82% of husbands worked full-time while their wives were unemployed.
- By 1997, this figure decreased to 73%.
Task division:
-Men Typically handle tasks like earning money and less frequent tasks (e.g., house repairs, mowing the lawn).
-Women usually responsible for frequent tasks (e.g., cleaning, cooking).

Question 4

British social attitudes survey-changes in attitudes AO1

Answer 4

• Attitude Shift: Decrease in belief that men should earn money and women should handle the home and family.
• Task Division:
• Laundry:1994 - 1% of men did it always/usually; 2012 - 6%.
  -Caring for Sick Family Members=1994 - 48% said women did it always/usually; 2012 - 36%.

Question 5

British social attitudes survey- changes in attitudes AO3

Answer 5

Feminist Critique of Attitude Changes

• Argument=Despite changing views, survey results show little evidence of the ‘new man.’
• Task Division
• Women=More likely to do laundry, care for sick family members.
• Men: More likely to handle small repairs around the house.

Question 6

Younger couples AO1

Answer 6

Tend to have more symmetrical relationships.
1. Changes in the Position of Women=Increased equality and opportunities for women.
2.Geographical Mobility=Moving for work or education can lead to more equal sharing of domestic tasks.
3.New Technology= Advances make domestic tasks easier and more manageable.
4.Higher Standards of Living=Improved financial resources allow for more balanced division of household responsibilities.