The Domestic Division Of Labour

1. Feminist view on housework

1.1. Reject the MOP view.

1.1.1. Oakley found some evidence of husbands helping at home but no trend of symmetry.

1.1.1.1. 15% of husbands= participation of housework and 25%= childcare

1.2. They claim nothing has changed

2. The symmetrical family

2.1. Young and Willmott= March of progress

2.2. They believe that families are becoming more equal and improving for all members.

2.2.1. They found that symmetrical families are more common within the young.

2.2.2. They see the rise as the result of changes such as: Changes in women’s position, Geographical mobility, New technology and higher standards of living

2.3. By symmetrical they mean that the roles of both husband and wife are becoming similar.

3. Joint and Segregated conjugal roles- Bott.

3.1. Segregated: The couple has separate roles- male= bread winner and female= carer

3.2. Joint: The couple share tasks and spend their leisure time together.

4. Parsons, Instrumental and Expressive roles

4.1. Expressive role: The wife is the full-time housewife who is in charge of meeting the emotional needs of the family.

4.1.1. Women are naturally suited to the role of a nurturer.

4.2. Instrumental role: The husband is the bread winner and aim to provide for the family financially through work.

4.2.1. Men are suited to be a provider.