Conjugal role relationships

• What is the marxist perspective?

  • Men and women have different roles within family - structure supports capitalism
  • creates obedient and docile workers - next generation
• What are some criticisms of the Marxist perspective on this issue?


  • Ignores family diversity and the fact women normally work full-time
  • focuses on social class
  • ignores benefits of nuclear family
• What is the functionalism perspective?

  • each partner has a part to play
  • makes society stable
• what are some criticisms of the functionalist perspective on this issue?

  • Ignore conflict in a family
  • Parsons' view of instrumental and expressive roles of men and women is outdated
• What is the feminist perspective?

  • Opressess women
  • focus on unequal division of labour
  • domestic violence against women
• What are some criticisms to the feminist perspective on this issue?

  • Too much emphasises on the negative side of family