topic 3 Flashcards
explain the difference between segregated and integrated conjugal roles.
segregated conjugal roles means couples take on separate roles- often the typical, gender stereotyped roles
integrated conjugal roles means a a couple has interchangeable and flexible roles
What did Bott (1957) say about roles within the family?
Bott (1957) said that the most influential factor which decided whether a couple had integrated or segregated conjugal roles was the social network of each partner built up before marriage.
individuals who had a tight network were more likely to take on segregated roles - this acted as a firm of social control as there was a pressure from external influences
explain things that have contributed to a growing amount of equality in family relationships
improved living standards in home- encourages couples to become more home-centred
extended family declined as a result of social and geographical mobility - less pressure from external kin to maintain traditional roles, more freedom to find a healthier balance within relationship
improved status and financial independence of women
commercialisation of housework
weaker gender identities
Laurie and Gershuny (2000)) said what about housework?
as women moved from part-time to full-time employment, men did more housework
what do Postmodernists argue about gender identities?
How may this make roles more equal within the family?
postmodernists would argue that as a result of individualisation, people have more choice and flexibility in the way they see themselves and the choices they make in today’s society. as a result of a ‘pick and mix’ of choice, individuals can choose how they identify, including their gender. this therefore results in a weakened perspective of male and female roles, therefore perhaps contributing to a rise of integrated conjugal roles.
what did Knudsen and Waerness (?) find out?
despite the suggestion that in today’s society roles are becoming more equally shared, many feminists would argue that this is simply a hope and not in actuality the truth.
Waerness and Knusden (2008) discovered that in a comparative study of 24 countries, in not a single country did men do more housework than women and around the world, women perform 2/3rds of domestic housework.
how many households have a dual income?
3/4
What did Harkness (2005) find out about working mothers?
Harkness (2005) said that working mothers put twice as many hours into housework as their partners
who do radical feminists believe benefit from domestic labour?
radical feminists argue that it is men who benefit from unpaid domestic labour as it is mainly women who do the labout.
radical feminist argue this is as a a result of the patriarchy and women being forced to live in the family which is a patriarchal unit which is institutionalising and reproducing male power
who do marxist feminists believe is benefitting from unpaid domestic labour?
marxist feminists believe unpaid domestic labour is benefiting capitalism as it supports the labour force. marxist feminist also acknowledge it is as a result of the patriarchy
what is meant by women working a ‘triple shift’?
female partners are expected to perform three jobs
domestic work/child care
emotional support
paid work
What did Taylor-Gooby (2005) find out about people’s attitudes towards family life?
Taylor Gooby (2005) found that there is an assumed need for gender equality in paid work however not in family life.
48% of the public said they think the mother should stay home while children are under school age.
How did Oakley describe the supposed symmetry now found within the family in her book The Sociology of Housework? (1974)
‘symmetry remains a myth’
how much of part-time workers are women?
three quarters
how many women will experience domestic violence?
how many men?
1 in 4 women
1 in 6 men
