Concept introduction
There are different roles held by members of a family. Some of the roles are instrumental and some are expressive. At times, these roles can enable gender inequality to exist.
Explanation of Solution
Suggested response
Consider the roles in a family. One is the instrumental role and the other is the expressive role. Functionalists believe that parts of a society work together to keep it stable. In this case, members of the family, or the parents, will serve a certain purpose in order to keep the family balanced. Functionalists believe that the female takes on the expressive role and the male is the instrumental partner. Think about how this might reinforce the family structure that you have known about since you were young. Why might functionalists believe that gendered expectations are important to family structure?
Think of some ways in which we see gender inequality in society. Often, men make more money than women and they rise to positions of power faster. Women take time off to raise children and run a household. How do we relate this to gender inequality in the family? Conflict theorists might argue that men have greater access to resources than women do and this allows them to remain in a higher status. Consider how the role of men may come with more power since they are financially supporting the family. Think about how, in most cases, that even if both parents work the male earns more. Which of these factors do you think are most important to take into account?
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Chapter 9 Solutions
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