Lesson_1__types_of_couples

Lesson 1 — Types of Couples

Nuclear Family

• Definition: A pair of adults, usually married, living with their socially recognized child/children.

Lone-Parent Family

• Definition: A single mother or father raising a child alone without a partner, also termed as solo parenting.

Step Family

• Definition: A family where one parent has children from a previous relationship, and those children are not biologically related to the spouse.

Chosen Family

• Definition: Bonds of non-biological kinship, which could include close friends or pets, focusing on mutual love and support.

Cereal Pack Family

• Definition: A stereotypical family structure with two parents and two children, reflecting a functionalist concept of an idealized family.

Extended Family

• Definition: A family structure that includes relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents and other kin living in the same household.

Beanpole Family

• Definition: A multi-generational family structure that is long and thin, often with few aunts, uncles, or cousins.

Parsons: Instrumental and Expressive Roles

Instrumental Role

• Typically held by the male/husband.

• Focuses on achieving financial success and being the primary breadwinner.

Expressive Role

• Typically held by the female/wife.

• Responsible for the primary socialization of children and meeting the emotional needs of the family.

• Often viewed as a housewife rather than a wage earner.

Division of Labour

• In Parsons' model, there is a clear division of labor between spouses, based on biological roles.

• Supported by New Right thinkers, arguing it benefits men, women, and society as a whole.

Criticism

• Feminist critics argue the division of labor is not natural and primarily benefits men.

Young and Willmott's View

• Argue that men are now sharing a greater share of domestic tasks, with more wives becoming wage earners.

• Take a 'March in Progress' perspective about family history, suggesting gradual improvement toward equality and democracy in family life.

• Their concept of the Symmetrical Family indicates that:

  • Roles of husband and wife are becoming more similar.

  • Women often work, though it may be part-time.

  • Men are increasingly participating in housework and childcare.

  • Couples are spending more leisure time together.

Factors Contributing to Rise of Nuclear Family

1. Changes in women’s position, including married women entering the workforce.

2. Geographical mobility, leading couples to live away from their childhood communities.

3. Technological advancements and labor-saving devices.

4. Higher standards of living, interlinked with the above factors.

   • Example: Married women working contributes to higher living standards, which can facilitate the purchase of labor-saving devices and encourage more equitable domestic roles.

Feminist Perspective on Housework

• Argue that inequality persists within the family, as women still carry the majority of household responsibilities.

• Rooted in patriarchal structures where women occupy subordinate and dependent roles in both family and society.