AQA A Level Sociology 2021, Paper 2, Q6, 20 marks
Item D
Despite many changes in society, some feminist sociologists argue that gender roles and
relationships within the family remain unequal. Women still take responsibility for
housework and childcare, and men still dominate in terms of power and financial control.
However, other sociologists argue that there is evidence that gender roles and relationships
are becoming more equal. For example, men now take on a more domestic role.
Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that
gender roles and relationships within the family are still unequal in society
today. [20 marks] 20/20
Gendered family division has been a topic of sociological debate for centuries,
with varying theoretical perspectives offering distinct interpretations, levels of
significance, and evidentiary support. While the family is an essential faction of
functioning society, Feminists and Marxists alike believe the principles upon
which it works need immediate reform, while others like Functionalists and the
New Right are in support of current practice that may exacerbate inequalities.
This essay will critically analyse the Feminist, Functionalist and Marxist
perspectives while ultimately concluding that gender roles and relationships
within the family are indeed still unequal in society today.
As stated by Item D, feminists retain the belief that gender roles and
relationships within the family remain unequal. This is exemplified by an
abundance of studies including Bott’s conjugal roles, Oakley’s family
participation percentages and Dunscombe and Marsden's triple shift. In 1957,
Elizabeth Bott introduced the terms ‘segregated conjugal roles’ and ‘integrated
conjugal roles’ to describe the division of labour within families. Segregated
roles involve a clear differentiation of tasks based on gender, with men and
women performing distinct duties, whereas integrated roles feature a more
flexible division of responsibilities. Bott observed that segregated roles often
disproportionately burden women, as they are expected to juggle paid work,
domestic chores, childcare, and emotional labour, a phenomenon later
elaborated by Duncombe and Marsden in their "Triple Shift" theory. This
segregation can be seen even in today's society, with many families across
Britian reporting that women take on the brunt of the domestic tasks,
Item D
Despite many changes in society, some feminist sociologists argue that gender roles and
relationships within the family remain unequal. Women still take responsibility for
housework and childcare, and men still dominate in terms of power and financial control.
However, other sociologists argue that there is evidence that gender roles and relationships
are becoming more equal. For example, men now take on a more domestic role.
Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that
gender roles and relationships within the family are still unequal in society
today. [20 marks] 20/20
Gendered family division has been a topic of sociological debate for centuries,
with varying theoretical perspectives offering distinct interpretations, levels of
significance, and evidentiary support. While the family is an essential faction of
functioning society, Feminists and Marxists alike believe the principles upon
which it works need immediate reform, while others like Functionalists and the
New Right are in support of current practice that may exacerbate inequalities.
This essay will critically analyse the Feminist, Functionalist and Marxist
perspectives while ultimately concluding that gender roles and relationships
within the family are indeed still unequal in society today.
As stated by Item D, feminists retain the belief that gender roles and
relationships within the family remain unequal. This is exemplified by an
abundance of studies including Bott’s conjugal roles, Oakley’s family
participation percentages and Dunscombe and Marsden's triple shift. In 1957,
Elizabeth Bott introduced the terms ‘segregated conjugal roles’ and ‘integrated
conjugal roles’ to describe the division of labour within families. Segregated
roles involve a clear differentiation of tasks based on gender, with men and
women performing distinct duties, whereas integrated roles feature a more
flexible division of responsibilities. Bott observed that segregated roles often
disproportionately burden women, as they are expected to juggle paid work,
domestic chores, childcare, and emotional labour, a phenomenon later
elaborated by Duncombe and Marsden in their "Triple Shift" theory. This
segregation can be seen even in today's society, with many families across
Britian reporting that women take on the brunt of the domestic tasks,
