Sociology – Paper 2 – Family roles and changing relationships | e-Consult
Paper 2 – Family roles and changing relationships (1 questions)
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Model Answer:
- Feminist Theory (Liberal Feminism): Emphasises that state‑mandated policies such as shared parental leave and affordable childcare aim to dismantle the traditional male‑breadwinner/female‑homemaker model. Evidence shows a modest increase in fathers’ participation in domestic work, reflecting a shift toward egalitarian ideals.
- Structural Functionalism: Argues that family roles persist because they serve social stability. Even with policies in place, many families retain a “second shift” for women, suggesting that cultural expectations can outweigh legislative change.
- Interactionist Perspective: Highlights how everyday negotiations and gendered expectations shape the actual division of labour. Policies provide opportunities, but couples often reinterpret them to fit existing gender scripts.
Overall, gender equality policies have created structural possibilities for more equal labour division, yet their impact is mediated by cultural norms and individual agency.