Sociology – Chaimowitz – Couples
Evaluate the view that the division of labour in couples is now equal (20)
Parsons & gender roles
Believes the division of labour is based on gender roles.
Example: Parsons’ functionalist model – husband has instrumental role (acting as the
breadwinner through financial success). Wife – expressive role (socialising children,
homemaker, meeting family’s emotional needs).
Parsons argues this is based on biological differences, with women being more naturally
suited to the nurture role and men to that of a provider.
He claims this is equal and beneficial to both men, women, their children and society.
However, Young and Wilmott argue that men are taking a greater share of domestic
tasks, with more women becoming wage earners. (EXPAND)
Feminists reject the idea that this division of labour is natural. They also argue that it
only benefits men.
Therefore…
Segregated conjugal roles
Separated roles of work, leisure time etc.
Example, Young and Wilmott identified a pattern pf segregated conjugal roles in their
study – men were breadwinners and in doing so, played little part in home life.
Spent their leisure time with workmates in pubs.
Women were found to be full-time housewives, sole responsibility for childcare –
limited leisure time. As well as, some working part time – dual burden.
However, rise of symmetrical family, Young and Wilmott.
March of progress sociologists ^, argue segregated conjugal roles have declined, with
joint conjugal roles inclining with the symmetrical family.
For example, women now work, couples spend their leisure time together etc.
Feminist view
Reject the march of progress view – believe women going into work has not led to
greater equality in domestic labour. Still little sign of the ‘new man’.
Example: British Social Attitudes survey 2012:
o Men on average did 8 hours of house work a week, compared to 13 for women.
o Men spent 10 hours caring for family members, with women doing 23.
o Also shows couples still divide household tasks along gender roles.
o Women much more likely to do laundry, cleaning and caring.
o Men “ “ small repairs around the house.
They therefore believe women are forced to undergo a dual burden.
However, Oriel Sullivan’s analysis of nationally representative data collected in 1975,
1987 and 1997 found a trend towards women doing a smaller share of domestic work
with men doing more.
Showed that men were doing more traditional ‘women’s tasks’.
Evaluate the view that the division of labour in couples is now equal (20)
Parsons & gender roles
Believes the division of labour is based on gender roles.
Example: Parsons’ functionalist model – husband has instrumental role (acting as the
breadwinner through financial success). Wife – expressive role (socialising children,
homemaker, meeting family’s emotional needs).
Parsons argues this is based on biological differences, with women being more naturally
suited to the nurture role and men to that of a provider.
He claims this is equal and beneficial to both men, women, their children and society.
However, Young and Wilmott argue that men are taking a greater share of domestic
tasks, with more women becoming wage earners. (EXPAND)
Feminists reject the idea that this division of labour is natural. They also argue that it
only benefits men.
Therefore…
Segregated conjugal roles
Separated roles of work, leisure time etc.
Example, Young and Wilmott identified a pattern pf segregated conjugal roles in their
study – men were breadwinners and in doing so, played little part in home life.
Spent their leisure time with workmates in pubs.
Women were found to be full-time housewives, sole responsibility for childcare –
limited leisure time. As well as, some working part time – dual burden.
However, rise of symmetrical family, Young and Wilmott.
March of progress sociologists ^, argue segregated conjugal roles have declined, with
joint conjugal roles inclining with the symmetrical family.
For example, women now work, couples spend their leisure time together etc.
Feminist view
Reject the march of progress view – believe women going into work has not led to
greater equality in domestic labour. Still little sign of the ‘new man’.
Example: British Social Attitudes survey 2012:
o Men on average did 8 hours of house work a week, compared to 13 for women.
o Men spent 10 hours caring for family members, with women doing 23.
o Also shows couples still divide household tasks along gender roles.
o Women much more likely to do laundry, cleaning and caring.
o Men “ “ small repairs around the house.
They therefore believe women are forced to undergo a dual burden.
However, Oriel Sullivan’s analysis of nationally representative data collected in 1975,
1987 and 1997 found a trend towards women doing a smaller share of domestic work
with men doing more.
Showed that men were doing more traditional ‘women’s tasks’.
