Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

Functionalist Views on Couples and Families - Parsons, Feminist Views, and Conjugal Roles Explained

Open

77

0

user profile picture

Saffron

1/1/2023

Sociology

Couples- whole topic revision

Functionalist Views on Couples and Families - Parsons, Feminist Views, and Conjugal Roles Explained

Functionalist and feminist perspectives on family roles and domestic labor shape modern understanding of couples' dynamics.

Key points:

  • Functionalist view couples 1955 parsons emphasizes clear gender role division
  • Feminist views on family (sociology) challenge traditional role segregation
  • Domestic division of labour Sociology shows persistent inequality despite social progress
  • Studies reveal ongoing debate between cultural and material explanations
  • Domestic violence remains a significant concern in family dynamics
...

1/1/2023

2103

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

View

Functionalist View on Couples: Parsons' Perspective (1955)

This page delves into Talcott Parsons' functionalist view on couples from 1955, which emphasizes a clear division of labor in nuclear families.

Key points of Parsons' theory:

  • Nuclear families have segregated roles for men and women
  • Men take on the instrumental role as breadwinners
  • Women fulfill the expressive role as homemakers and primary caregivers

Definition: The instrumental role involves providing financial support for the family, while the expressive role focuses on meeting the family's emotional needs and socializing children.

Parsons argues that this division is based on biological differences and benefits both the family and society.

Criticisms of Parsons' view:

  • Young & Willmott 19621962 argue that it ignores the trend towards more shared domestic roles
  • Feminists reject the idea that this division is natural, claiming it primarily benefits men

Example: In Parsons' model, a husband might work full-time in a corporate job to provide income, while his wife manages the household and cares for the children.

The page also introduces Bott's 19571957 concepts of conjugal roles:

  • Segregated conjugal roles: Separate tasks and leisure activities for husbands and wives
  • Joint conjugal roles: Shared tasks and leisure time between partners

Vocabulary: Conjugal roles refer to the patterns of task division and interaction between married partners or long-term couples.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

View

The Symmetrical Family and Feminist Critiques

This page explores the concept of the symmetrical family and presents feminist critiques of the domestic division of labor.

Young & Willmott's 19721972 symmetrical family theory:

  • Proposes a "march of progress" view where families are becoming more equal and democratic
  • Argues for a long-term trend away from separate roles towards joint roles
  • Identifies factors contributing to this shift, such as women's increased participation in the workforce and technological advancements

Quote: "A march of progress view, the family is gradually improving for members- turning more equal and democratic."

Feminist perspective on housework:

  • Rejects the march of progress view, arguing that families remain unequal
  • Oakley 19741974 criticizes Young & Willmott for exaggerating the extent of symmetry in families
  • Warde & Hetherington 19931993 find that domestic tasks remain largely sex-typed

Example: Wives are 30 times more likely to have last done the laundry, while husbands are 4 times more likely to have last washed the car.

The page highlights the ongoing debate about whether increased female participation in the workforce has led to a more equal division of domestic labor.

Highlight: The concept of the "dual burden" suggests that women often bear the responsibility of both paid work and domestic duties.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

View

Debating the Impact of Women's Employment on Domestic Labor

This page presents contrasting views on how women's increased participation in paid work has affected the division of domestic labor.

March of progress perspective:

  • Argues that women's employment leads to a more equal division of household labor
  • Suggests men are becoming more involved in childcare and housework

Example: Gershuny 19941994 found that women working full-time did less domestic work than other women, indicating a move towards symmetry.

Opposing view:

  • Contends that women's employment hasn't significantly equalized domestic labor
  • Introduces the concept of the "dual burden" for women

Vocabulary: The dual burden refers to the situation where women are responsible for both paid work and the majority of domestic duties.

British Social Attitudes Survey 20132013 findings:

  • Men did an average of 8 hours of housework per week, while women did 13 hours
  • Men spent 10 hours caring for family members, compared to women's 23 hours
  • 60% of women felt they did more than their fair share of domestic work

Highlight: Despite some progress, women still perform approximately twice as much domestic labor as men.

The page also notes that traditional gender roles persist in task allocation, with women doing more laundry and men handling small repairs.

Quote: "Allan 19851985 argues women's tasks like washing are less intrinsically fascinating - survey doesn't measure the qualitative differences in men/women's tasks."

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

View

Changing Attitudes Towards Gender Roles

This page discusses the shift in societal attitudes regarding traditional gender roles within families.

Key findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey 20132013:

  • Significant decrease in support for traditional instrumental and expressive roles
  • In 1984, 45% of men and 41% of women agreed with traditional role division
  • By 2013, only 13% of men and 12% of women supported these traditional roles

Highlight: The data suggests a substantial shift in public opinion away from traditional gender role expectations over three decades.

This change in attitudes reflects broader societal transformations and may influence future trends in domestic labor division and family dynamics.

Example: Modern couples may be more likely to negotiate shared responsibilities for both earning income and managing household tasks, rather than automatically assuming traditional gender-based roles.

The page implies that while attitudes have changed significantly, behaviors may not have kept pace, as evidenced by the persistent inequalities in domestic labor distribution discussed earlier.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

View

Conclusion and Implications

This final page would typically summarize the key points discussed throughout the document and consider the implications of these findings for families, society, and future research. However, as the provided transcript does not include this content, I cannot generate a summary for this page. If you have additional information about the conclusion or implications of this topic, please provide it, and I'll be happy to summarize it accordingly.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

View

Page 6: Domestic Violence Definition and Statistics

The page presents official definitions and statistics regarding domestic violence.

Definition: Home Office 2013 defines domestic violence as controlling, coercive, or threatening behavior between partners or family members.

Highlight: Women experience higher rates of multiple incidents and more severe forms of abuse.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

21 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 17 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

 

Sociology

2,103

Jan 1, 2023

7 pages

Functionalist Views on Couples and Families - Parsons, Feminist Views, and Conjugal Roles Explained

Functionalist and feminist perspectives on family roles and domestic labor shape modern understanding of couples' dynamics.

Key points:

  • Functionalist view couples 1955 parsons emphasizes clear gender role division
  • Feminist views on family (sociology) challenge traditional role segregation
  • Domestic division of... Show more

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Functionalist View on Couples: Parsons' Perspective (1955)

This page delves into Talcott Parsons' functionalist view on couples from 1955, which emphasizes a clear division of labor in nuclear families.

Key points of Parsons' theory:

  • Nuclear families have segregated roles for men and women
  • Men take on the instrumental role as breadwinners
  • Women fulfill the expressive role as homemakers and primary caregivers

Definition: The instrumental role involves providing financial support for the family, while the expressive role focuses on meeting the family's emotional needs and socializing children.

Parsons argues that this division is based on biological differences and benefits both the family and society.

Criticisms of Parsons' view:

  • Young & Willmott 19621962 argue that it ignores the trend towards more shared domestic roles
  • Feminists reject the idea that this division is natural, claiming it primarily benefits men

Example: In Parsons' model, a husband might work full-time in a corporate job to provide income, while his wife manages the household and cares for the children.

The page also introduces Bott's 19571957 concepts of conjugal roles:

  • Segregated conjugal roles: Separate tasks and leisure activities for husbands and wives
  • Joint conjugal roles: Shared tasks and leisure time between partners

Vocabulary: Conjugal roles refer to the patterns of task division and interaction between married partners or long-term couples.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Symmetrical Family and Feminist Critiques

This page explores the concept of the symmetrical family and presents feminist critiques of the domestic division of labor.

Young & Willmott's 19721972 symmetrical family theory:

  • Proposes a "march of progress" view where families are becoming more equal and democratic
  • Argues for a long-term trend away from separate roles towards joint roles
  • Identifies factors contributing to this shift, such as women's increased participation in the workforce and technological advancements

Quote: "A march of progress view, the family is gradually improving for members- turning more equal and democratic."

Feminist perspective on housework:

  • Rejects the march of progress view, arguing that families remain unequal
  • Oakley 19741974 criticizes Young & Willmott for exaggerating the extent of symmetry in families
  • Warde & Hetherington 19931993 find that domestic tasks remain largely sex-typed

Example: Wives are 30 times more likely to have last done the laundry, while husbands are 4 times more likely to have last washed the car.

The page highlights the ongoing debate about whether increased female participation in the workforce has led to a more equal division of domestic labor.

Highlight: The concept of the "dual burden" suggests that women often bear the responsibility of both paid work and domestic duties.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Debating the Impact of Women's Employment on Domestic Labor

This page presents contrasting views on how women's increased participation in paid work has affected the division of domestic labor.

March of progress perspective:

  • Argues that women's employment leads to a more equal division of household labor
  • Suggests men are becoming more involved in childcare and housework

Example: Gershuny 19941994 found that women working full-time did less domestic work than other women, indicating a move towards symmetry.

Opposing view:

  • Contends that women's employment hasn't significantly equalized domestic labor
  • Introduces the concept of the "dual burden" for women

Vocabulary: The dual burden refers to the situation where women are responsible for both paid work and the majority of domestic duties.

British Social Attitudes Survey 20132013 findings:

  • Men did an average of 8 hours of housework per week, while women did 13 hours
  • Men spent 10 hours caring for family members, compared to women's 23 hours
  • 60% of women felt they did more than their fair share of domestic work

Highlight: Despite some progress, women still perform approximately twice as much domestic labor as men.

The page also notes that traditional gender roles persist in task allocation, with women doing more laundry and men handling small repairs.

Quote: "Allan 19851985 argues women's tasks like washing are less intrinsically fascinating - survey doesn't measure the qualitative differences in men/women's tasks."

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Changing Attitudes Towards Gender Roles

This page discusses the shift in societal attitudes regarding traditional gender roles within families.

Key findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey 20132013:

  • Significant decrease in support for traditional instrumental and expressive roles
  • In 1984, 45% of men and 41% of women agreed with traditional role division
  • By 2013, only 13% of men and 12% of women supported these traditional roles

Highlight: The data suggests a substantial shift in public opinion away from traditional gender role expectations over three decades.

This change in attitudes reflects broader societal transformations and may influence future trends in domestic labor division and family dynamics.

Example: Modern couples may be more likely to negotiate shared responsibilities for both earning income and managing household tasks, rather than automatically assuming traditional gender-based roles.

The page implies that while attitudes have changed significantly, behaviors may not have kept pace, as evidenced by the persistent inequalities in domestic labor distribution discussed earlier.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Conclusion and Implications

This final page would typically summarize the key points discussed throughout the document and consider the implications of these findings for families, society, and future research. However, as the provided transcript does not include this content, I cannot generate a summary for this page. If you have additional information about the conclusion or implications of this topic, please provide it, and I'll be happy to summarize it accordingly.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 6: Domestic Violence Definition and Statistics

The page presents official definitions and statistics regarding domestic violence.

Definition: Home Office 2013 defines domestic violence as controlling, coercive, or threatening behavior between partners or family members.

Highlight: Women experience higher rates of multiple incidents and more severe forms of abuse.

Couples This is about the different roles men and women have in the family-
housework, childcare and paid work. Different sociologists have

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Couples: Understanding Gender Roles and Domestic Division of Labor

This page introduces the topic of gender roles within families, focusing on the distribution of housework, childcare, and paid work between men and women. It highlights that different sociologists have varying perspectives on whether domestic work is shared equally between partners.

Definition: Domestic division of labor refers to how household tasks and responsibilities are allocated between family members, particularly between male and female partners.

Highlight: The debate on domestic labor distribution is central to understanding family dynamics and gender equality in modern society.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user