The Domestic Division Of Labour

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  • Created by: Najmxn1
  • Created on: 22-05-21 22:16

Parsons: Instrumental and Expressive Role:

Parsons: Instrumental and Expressive Role:

·         Traditional nuclear family, the role of the husbands and wives are segregated – separate and distinct from one another.

·         In Parsons’ (1955) model of the family, for example, there is a clear division of labour between the spouses:

Husband – Instrumental Role:

·         Geared towards achieving success at work, so he can provide for the family financially – Breadwinner.

Wife – Expressive Role:

·         Geared towards primary socialisation of the children and meeting the family’s emotional needs – Homemaker, Full-Time Housewife.

Argument of Division of Labour:

·         Parsons argues that the division of labour is based on biological differences – Women are ‘naturally’ suited to the nurturing role – Men to be a provider.

·         He claims that this is beneficial to both men and women, to their children and to wider society.

·         New Right also hold this view.

Other Sociologist Criticised Parson:

·         Young and Willmott (1962) argue that men are now taking a greater share of domestic tasks and more wives are becoming wage earners.

·         Feminist Sociologist – rejects Parsons’ view that the division of labour is natural – they argue that it only benefits men.

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