Couples

Created by: darcyweekes1
Created on: 18-04-16 14:36

Name the two roles that Parson's (1955) discussed and their functions in the family?

The husband has an instrumental role in the family, this is where he provides financially for them i.e 'breadwinner'. The wife has an expressive role, this is geared towards primary socialisation of the children and meeting emotional needs.

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What two criticisms have been identified to Parson's study by Young and Wilmott (1962) and feminists?

Y&W - they argue that men are now taking a greater share of domestic tasks and more wives are becoming wage earners. F - Division of labour is unnatural and only beneficial to men.

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What did Elizabeth Bott (1957) distinguish between the two types of conjugal roles?

Segregated conjugal roles - separate roles, male breadwinner/female homemaker, leisure activities also tend to be separate. Joint CR - couples share tasks such as house work and childcare, leisure time spent together.

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What is Young and Wilmott's 'march of progress' view?

They see family life gradually improving for all it's members, i.e. more equal and democratic. Long term trend away from segregated CR and toward joint CR and the symmetrical family.

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What is meant by 'the symmetrical family'?

The roles of husbands and wives are now more similar e.g. women now go out to work (part/full-time) and men now 'help' with housework and childcare. Leisure time is spent together.

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What type of couples did Young and Wilmott find the symmetrical family are most common in?

Young couples, geographically mobile and socially mobile couples.

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What 4 major social changes have been made in the past century?

1. Changes in women's position. 2. Geographically mobility. 3. New technology. 4. Higher standards of living.

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Why do feminist sociologists reject this 'march of progress' view?

They argue that men and women remain unequal within the family and women still do most of the housework. They see society still as 'male dominated' or 'patriarchal'. Women occupy a subordinate and dependent role within family and society.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What two criticisms have been identified to Parson's study by Young and Wilmott (1962) and feminists?

Back

Y&W - they argue that men are now taking a greater share of domestic tasks and more wives are becoming wage earners. F - Division of labour is unnatural and only beneficial to men.

Card 3

Front

What did Elizabeth Bott (1957) distinguish between the two types of conjugal roles?

Back

Card 4

Front

What is Young and Wilmott's 'march of progress' view?

Back

Card 5

Front

What is meant by 'the symmetrical family'?

Back

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Couples