Functionalism

• What is parsons theory of instrumental and expressive roles in the family?

  -Parsons believes men and women are best suited to roles in the family base on their biological differences:

  • Expressive Roles: For a woman ans she is better able to socialise the children and meet the family’s emotional needs. She is also a homemaker and full-time housewife.
  • Instrumental Roles: The man is geared toward achieving success at work & earning only for the hours hold and supporting them financially, he is he ‘breadwinner’
• What is canalisation?


  • Parents give children certain toys based on their gender.
• What are evaluations of Parsons view on the roles of the family?

  (Wilmott & Young): The roles outlined by parsons are outdatd and these roles have changed. men in current times are taking on a greater deal of domestic tasks & women are working a lot more.
• What are conjugal roles?

  (Bott)- Conjugal roles are roles played by the men and women in the household. there are two types of roles in the household, segregated & joint

  -Segregated conjugal roles: Where the couple have seperate roles, male breadwinner & female home maker (like parsons roles) and leisure activities are seperate.

  -Joint conjugal roles: Where the couple share tasks south as housework & childcare and spend their leisure time together.
• What did Willmott & young find in their study on conjugal roles?

  • There was a pattern in segregated conjugal roles of W.C families in East London.
  • men were breadwinner and played little role in the household, spending their leisure time with workmates in the pub.
  • Women were full-time housewives, with sole responsibility for housework & childcare.