Topic 1- couples

• What does Parsons say about the domestic division of labour?

  Men and women have biologically suited roles that are functional for society:

  • Expressive role- women= homemaker (involves cooking, cleaning and looking after children)
  • Instrumental role- men= breadwinner (involves paid work and earning the income for the family)
• What does Bott say about the domestic division of labour?

  Segregated conjugal roles- division of labour between men and women, couple spends leisure time separately

  Joint conjugal roles- couples share domestic tasks and leisure time
• What does Willmott and Young say about the domestic division of labour?

  There are now more symmetrical families as a result of increased conjugal roles
• Do the march of progress view think that couples are more equal?

  The new man means that couples have an equal share of housework and childcare
• Does the dual burden view think that couples are more equal?

  Women do paid work and domestic work (Feri and Smith)
• Does the triple shift view think that couples are more equal?

  Women not only carry the dual burden of paid and domestic work, but also have to do the emotional work (Duncombe and Marsden)
• What is the material explanation for decision making?

  Men have more power in decision making because they earn more
• What is the cultural explanation for decision making?

  Gender role socialisation instils the view that men are the primary decision makers
• What do Dobash and Dobash say about domestic abuse?

  Marriage and the nuclear family is the key institution of patriarchy, and the main source of womens oppression. Domestic violence is inevitable because it serves to pressure the power men have over women
• What does Ansley say about domestic abuse?

  Domestic violence is the product of capitalism: male workers are exploited at work and take their frustration out on their wives
• What does Wilkinson say about domestic abuse?

  Domestic violence is the result of stress on the family caused by social inequality