wilmott and young

• What is the title of the classic text discussed in the video?

  The Symmetrical Family
• Who are the authors of the study on the symmetrical family?

  Michael Young and Peter Wilmont
• What type of research did Young and Wilmont conduct?

  Influential research on family structures
• What does the symmetrical family concept focus on?

  Balanced household roles between men and women
• Which sociological perspective is Young and Wilmont's research rooted in?

  The functionalist perspective
• How do Young and Wilmont view the family in society?

  As a crucial institution that adapts to society's needs
• What is the march of progress view in sociology?

  How societies evolve and impact social institutions
• What was the family structure in pre-industrial times?

  Large and extended families
• What significant shift occurred during the Industrial Revolution?

  Move towards the nuclear family
• What characterizes the symmetrical family observed by Young and Wilmont?

  Equal roles between husbands and wives
• What did Young and Wilmont predict about family evolution?

  Families would become asymmetrical over time
• What method did Young and Wilmont primarily use for their research?

  Large scale surveys
• What additional method did they use to gather data?

  In-depth interviews with family members
• What did Young and Wilmont's research reveal about decision-making in symmetrical families?

  It was more collaborative between partners
• How did symmetrical families spend their leisure time?

  Together as a unit
• What technological advancements contributed to the rise of symmetrical families?

  Washing machines and vacuum cleaners
• What contributed to the rise of the nuclear family?

  Greater geographical mobility for work
• What criticism did Young and Wilmont face regarding their findings?

  Overgeneralization of symmetrical families
• What aspect of family life did critics argue Young and Wilmont overlooked?

  Experiences of single-parent families
• Why might some findings of Young and Wilmont be considered outdated?

  Family dynamics have continued to evolve
• What impact did Young and Wilmont's research have on sociological thinking?

  Highlighted changing dynamics in British families
• What ongoing issue does Young and Wilmont's research acknowledge?

  The persistence of inequality in certain contexts
• What are the key characteristics of the symmetrical family according to Young and Wilmont?

  • Equal roles between husbands and wives
  • Shared household duties and paid employment
  • Collaborative decision-making
  • Increased leisure time spent together
  • Improved living standards due to technology
• What are the criticisms of Young and Wilmont's research on the symmetrical family?

  • Overgeneralization of findings
  • Potentially idealistic portrayal of families
  • Focus on two-parent families
  • Outdated findings due to evolving family dynamics