The Division of Labour in the Family

Question 1

Define the term ‘symmetrical families’ (who was the term developed by ?

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)

Question 2

Define ‘conjugal roles’

Answer 2

The conjugal role refers to the separation of roles within the household based on the individual’s gender.

Question 3

Define ‘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, etc.

Question 4

Define ‘egalitarian marriage’

Answer 4

An egalitarian relationship is a relationship in which the benefits, duties, and obligations are equally shared by its members.

Question 5

After interviewing 40 London housewives, what did Ann Oakley (1974)(feminist) find out about husbands’ attitudes to housework?

Answer 5

only 15% of husbands actually had a high level of participation

Question 6

After interviewing 40 London housewives, what did Ann Oakley (1974)(feminist) find out about husbands’ attitudes to housework?

Answer 6

only 15% of husbands actually had a high level of participation in house work and even these saw housework as ‘her work’ rather than something to be shared equally.

Question 7

According to Craig (2007), how much more housework do women do than men?

Answer 7

women do 1 third to one half more housework than men

Question 8

Describe the ‘dual burden’ now faced by many women.

Answer 8

feminists argue that woman now experience a ‘duel burden’ or second shift with regard to hourse work. therfore its like they have 2 jobs one payed and one unpaid