‘Men continue to dominate family life.’ Explain this view.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2023
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Men Dominating Family Life: An Outline
Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of men's dominance in family life. State the essay's argument, which is to explore the factors contributing to this dominance.
Economic Power and Decision-Making
Edgell's research on decision-making, highlighting men's control over important matters. Hardill et al.'s findings on the prioritization of men's careers. Link economic power to decision-making dominance.
Domestic Violence and Control
Statistics on domestic violence perpetrated by men. Explain how violence enforces dominance and control within the family structure.
The Role of the 'Safety Valve'
Explain the concept of the wife as a 'safety valve' and its implications. Discuss how this dynamic benefits men and reinforces their dominance.
Unpaid Labour and its Impact
Highlight the unequal distribution of unpaid household chores. Connect this to men's economic dominance and benefits derived from women's unpaid labour.
Cultural and Social Norms
Discuss the influence of cultural and social class norms on patriarchal family structures. Explain how these norms reinforce traditional gender roles and male dominance.
Other Contributing Factors
Briefly mention other potential factors influencing male dominance. Examples could include: socialization, media representation, lack of support for alternative family structures.
Conclusion
Summarize the main arguments discussed. Reiterate the persistence of male dominance in family life despite some societal shifts. End with a thought-provoking statement about the need for continued change and gender equality within families.
Men Dominating Family Life
Despite significant societal advancements towards gender equality, patriarchal structures persist within family units, often manifesting in male dominance. This essay will explore how men, through their roles as breadwinners, decision-makers, and beneficiaries of domestic labor, continue to hold a position of power in many families.
Economic Control and Decision Making
A key aspect of male dominance in families relates to economic control and decision-making power. Edgell (1980) argues that men typically hold sway over significant decisions, particularly concerning finances and family matters. This resonates with Hardill et al.'s (1997) observation that a man's career often takes precedence, even over the interests of his wife and family. This prioritization of the male breadwinner role inherently grants men greater control over resources and influences major life choices, perpetuating a power imbalance within the family structure.
Domestic Violence and the 'Safety Valve'
The prevalence of domestic violence further exposes the dark side of male dominance. Statistics consistently demonstrate that men are the primary perpetrators of violence against women within families. This violence can be interpreted as a means of enforcing control and asserting dominance. Furthermore, the concept of the wife as a "safety valve," as described by Parsons (1955), reinforces this power dynamic. Women are expected to absorb their husbands' stress and frustrations, ensuring the male breadwinner remains equipped for the professional sphere. This emotional labor, while often invisible, further contributes to the burden shouldered by women in maintaining male dominance within the family unit.
Division of Labor and Unpaid Work
The division of labor within the household also reflects male dominance. Despite increasing female participation in the workforce, women still bear the brunt of unpaid domestic work. This imbalance, where men benefit from women's unpaid labor, reinforces traditional gender roles and perpetuates the cycle of male dominance. Oakley (1974) criticizes this unequal distribution of domestic work, arguing that it serves to maintain men's power and privilege within the family structure.
Cultural and Social Class Influences
It is crucial to acknowledge the role of cultural and social class norms in perpetuating male dominance. Certain cultures and social classes adhere to traditional patriarchal values, where men are expected to be heads of households and primary breadwinners. These deeply ingrained beliefs contribute to the persistence of male dominance, making it challenging to dismantle these power structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite progress towards gender equality, men often continue to occupy a dominant position within many families. Their control over finances, decision-making, and the benefits they reap from the traditional division of labor contribute to this imbalance. The prevalence of domestic violence further highlights the potential for abuse within these power dynamics. While cultural and social class norms play a significant role, challenging these entrenched patriarchal structures is crucial to achieving true equality within the family unit.
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Men Dominating Family Life
- Men tend to make the final decisions on more important issues and financial matters according to Edgell. - A man's career is often given priority over the interests of his wife and family as the breadwinner as noted by Hardill et al. - The majority of reported domestic violence is committed by men against women to enforce their dominance. - The wife is seen as a 'safety valve,' absorbing the stresses and frustrations of the breadwinner/man to ensure he is rested and can return to work. - Men benefit the most from women predominantly engaging in unpaid household chores. - Cultural and social class norms often support a traditional patriarchal setup in the family where men are dominant to women and hold the breadwinner role, leading to economic dominance. - Other dynamics in family life may also contribute to men continuing to dominate.