Over time, family dynamics and the roles of married or cohabiting partners have evolved significantly. The shift towards a more symmetrical family structure, where both partners share domestic responsibilities equally, is attributed to several factors.
Changes in family relationships and conjugal roles, including symmetrical debate and issues relating to patriarchy and gender equality within the family
In the 20th century - conjugal roles were segregated/separated: Expressive role of women and instrumental role of men
Two types of conjugal roles - Segregated conjugal roles (separated conjugal role) & Integrated conjugal roles (joint roles - equal division of labour at home)
Criticism of Young and Willmott
Feminists argues why functionalists are wrong about the family being a positive, safe place for its members. Feminists argue that family life does not always function in ways that contribute to members' well being.
Domestic violence can be seen as another form of power and control in a relationship
Delphy and Leonard (1992) - the family is hierarchical and patriarchal
Caroline Gatrell - Men tended to avoid the 'boring jobs' like ironing
Scott and Clery (2013) - more dual earner households meaning women had double shift
Feminist Ann Oakley (1974)
Young and Willmott - Symmetrical family
Why was there a shift towards the symmetrical family?
People's interest in home life has increased
Increase participation of women in paid employment
More effective forms of contraception
Rise of feminism
The principle of stratified diffusion
The husband and wife had more of a financial partnership
The extended family counted for less and the nuclear family for more
The couple and their children were more home centred than in the past
The roles of the husband and wife were less segregated (less separated) - Men spent an equal amount of time on home related tasks
Conjugal roles - the domestic roles of married or cohabiting partners
Family - Two or more people living together related by birth, marriage, civil partnership, adoption or cohabitation based on long term relationships