Gender roles and power relationships

• What is the focus of the study material regarding gender roles and power relationships?

  The focus is on the division of domestic labor and gender roles within the family.
• What does Parsons argue about the division of labor in the family?

  Parsons argues that the division of labor is based on biological differences, with women suited for nurturing roles.
• How does the concept of segregated conjugal roles differ from integrated conjugal roles?

  Segregated conjugal roles involve distinct responsibilities for men and women, while integrated roles allow for interchangeable responsibilities.
• What did Young & Willmott study in the 1950s?


  They studied working-class extended families in Bethnal Green and found a distinct pattern of segregated conjugal roles.
• What term did Young & Willmott coin to describe families becoming more equal?

  They coined the term "The Symmetrical Family."
• What did Young & Willmott publish in 1973 regarding family dynamics?


  They published ideas suggesting families are slowly becoming more equal and democratic, termed "The March of Progress."
• What evidence supports the idea of the symmetrical family?

  Evidence shows that both partners share household chores and childcare responsibilities.
• What changes have led to the emergence of the 'new man' in family dynamics?

  Changes include improved living standards, the decline of the extended family, and the increased status of women.
• How has the commercialization of housework impacted domestic labor?

  It has introduced consumer goods that ease the burden of housework, making it less time-consuming.
• What is the 'Dual Burden' concept in domestic labor?

  The 'Dual Burden' refers to women being responsible for both paid employment and unpaid domestic work.
• What did Oakley argue about the evidence for the symmetrical family?

  Oakley argued that the evidence was flawed and did not indicate true symmetry in domestic roles.
• What did Duncombe & Marsden find regarding emotional labor in families?

  They found that women often take on the emotional labor role, providing understanding and support.
• What did the Office for National Statistics calculate about unpaid work in the home?

  They calculated that unpaid work in the home is valued at around £700 billion a year.
• How do women with children spend their time on household chores according to Legal & General's survey?

  Women with children spend an average of 36-41 hours a week on household chores and childcare.
• What are the main criticisms of the symmetrical family concept?

  • Evidence shows that women still perform the majority of domestic tasks.
  • Men's participation in housework is often minimal and not indicative of equality.
  • Women often bear the dual burden of paid work and domestic responsibilities.
• What did the 2011 survey reveal about women's involvement in childcare compared to fathers?

  The survey revealed that mothers are twice as likely to be involved in childcare as fathers.
• What is the significance of the term 'Double Shift' in the context of domestic labor?

  'Double Shift' refers to women managing both paid employment and the majority of domestic work.
• How do postmodernists view gender roles in contemporary families?

  Postmodernists argue that individuals have more choice in defining their roles, moving away from traditional gender roles.
• What did Silver and Schor suggest about the commercialization of housework?

  They suggested that commercialization has reduced the drudgery of housework, making it easier and less time-consuming.
• What is the impact of divorce reform on domestic roles?

  Divorce reform has made it easier and cheaper, leading partners to be less tolerant of oppressive relationships.
• What does the term 'gender identity' refer to in the context of domestic labor?

  Gender identity refers to the roles and expectations associated with being male or female in domestic settings.
• How do societal expectations influence the division of domestic labor?

  Societal expectations often dictate that women take on the majority of domestic responsibilities, even when they work full-time.
• What did the Food Standards Agency report about women's responsibilities in the home?

  The report indicated that 77% of women took all responsibility for food shopping.
• What did the European Social Survey reveal about women's housework responsibilities?

  The survey showed that even women in full-time paid work were responsible for around two-thirds of housework.
• What does the term 'emotional labor' refer to in the context of domestic roles?

  Emotional labor refers to the emotional support and understanding that women often provide in families.
• What did the 2008 survey by Mumsnet reveal about cooking responsibilities?

  The survey found that women do 75% of cooking for their children compared to 7% for fathers.
• What is the significance of the term 'gender segregated roles' in domestic labor?

  Gender segregated roles refer to the distinct responsibilities assigned to men and women in domestic settings.
• How does the concept of 'the double shift' reflect on women's roles in the family?

  The concept reflects that women are expected to manage both their careers and the majority of domestic responsibilities.
• What did the Office for National Statistics find about the time spent on unpaid work?

  They found that the time spent on unpaid work in the home is equivalent to a significant economic value.
• How do improved living standards affect family dynamics?

  Improved living standards allow for better relationships to be formed within families.
• What role does geographical mobility play in modern family structures?

  Geographical mobility allows families to become less reliant on extended families and form closer-knit supportive units.
• What is the impact of women's increased participation in paid employment on domestic roles?

  Women's increased participation in paid employment has led to men doing more housework.
• What does the term 'new man' refer to in the context of changing gender roles?

  The term 'new man' refers to men who are more caring and share responsibilities in the household.
• How do societal expectations shape the roles of men and women in domestic labor?

  Societal expectations often dictate that women should handle the majority of domestic tasks, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
• What did the 2011 survey reveal about the division of childcare responsibilities?

  The survey revealed that mothers are more involved in childcare than fathers.
• How does the concept of 'the double burden' reflect on women's roles in the family?


  The concept reflects that women are expected to manage both their careers and the majority of domestic responsibilities.
• What is the emotional side of family according to the study material?

  It involves managing affection and moral support among family members.
• How do women contribute to the emotional side of family according to Duncombe & Monden?

  Women are often responsible for maintaining relationships and providing emotional support.
• What is the significance of the expressive role in family dynamics?

  The expressive role is seen as an additional responsibility alongside paid employment and domestic labor.
• What are the main findings of the Office for National Statistics regarding unpaid work in the home?

  • Unpaid work in the home is valued at £700 billion a year.
  • Average time spent on unpaid work is 36-41 hours a week.