The Division of Labour in the Family

Question 1

Symmetrical families

Answer 1

The symmetrical family is where a family divides all responsibilities equally between partners. This was created and theorised by Willmott and Young (1970) as one of the phases the modern family has shifted into.

Question 2

Conjugal roles

Answer 2

The conjugal role refers to the separation of roles within the household based on the individual’s gender. This allows for a clear differentiation and segregation of tasks based on the role of the individual within the family.

Question 3

Domestic division of labour

Answer 3

The domestic division of labour refers to the division of tasks within the household between partners. For example, men will fulfil the breadwinner responsibilities and women will complete the child rearing.

Question 4

Egalitarian marriage

Answer 4

Egalitarian marriage is what it says it is, equal footing between the husband and wife. It is the direct anti-thesis or patriarchy or matriarchy. It means equal footing in decisive matters, not a patriarchal/matriarchal union with an advisory position.

Question 5

Stephen Edgell (1980)

Answer 5

• Husband made any financial decisions(very important)
• Husband made the majority of important decisions such as moving house or buying a car.
• Women could do less important decisions such as choose the products they buy at the shop or what clothes their children would wear.