Parsons - gender roles 𝜗ৎ

What does parson believe?

Roles of wives and husbands as originating in biology - they were naturally ‘designed’ to carry out particular roles

What role do males perform?

Instrumental - working + financial role , breadwinner

What role do females perform?

Expressive - relieving stress and anxiety of the husband - providing care, love, warmth

Who would criticise these ideas?

• Radical Feminist Greer

• Radical psychiatrist leach

Radical feminist Greer

Functionalism concentrates too much on harmony and consensus- assuming that society has one set of values followed by all - roles are not biological but are set by patriarchy and men

Radical psychiatrist leach

Gender roles lead to conflict and not harmony - Nuclear family is isolating its members especially women who complete domestic labour/emotional support