AS sociology- Topic One- couples-The domestic division of labour

AS sociology- Topic One- couples-The domestic division of labour

1. Parsons (1955) functionalist

   • Instrumental role = Husband (Breadwinner)
   • Expressive role = Wife (Homemaker)
   • Argues the division of labour is based on biological differences.
     • DISAGREE - Young and Wllmott belive roles are becoming shared
     • DISAGREE - Feminists believe this only benefits men
     • AGREE - The New Right hold the same view

2. Bott (1957) two roles within marriage

   • segregated conjugal roles
     • couples have separate roles
   • joint conjugal roles
     • couples have joint roles

3. Young and Willmott

   • MARCH OF PROGRESS = family life becoming more equal and democratic for all members
     • DISAGREE- Feminists believe little has changed
   • Symmetrical Family = husband and wife have similar roles
     • REASONS FOR THE CREATION OF THE SYMMETRICAL FAMILY
       • Changes in the position of women
         • Full time work
       • Geographic mobility
         • Moving away from childhood areas
       • New technology
         • Labour saving devices e.g. washing machines
       • Higher standards of living

4. FEMINISTS

   • Oakly (1974)
     • Symmetrical family is exaggerated, says 15% of men take part in housework & 25% in childcare
       • taking and interest role
       • AGREE - Warde and Heatherington believe sex typing of domestic tasks remains strong
         • HOWEVER - There is a change in the attitude of younger men
   • Generational Change
     • Future Foundation's (2000) = 1000 adults 60% of men did more than their fathers and 75% of women did less than their mothers
       • DISAGREE - Office For National Statistics - women spend over two and a half hours and men spend one hour of housework a day