To what extent is the family patriarchal?
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2022
👑Complete Model Essay
Free Essay Plan
Outline
I. Introduction
A. Definition of patriarchy
B. Thesis statement: The extent to which the family is patriarchal
II. Arguments for the Patriarchal Nature of the Family
A. Segregated conjugal roles
B. Male benefits
C. Gender role socialization
D. Inheritance
E. The anti-social family
F. Unpaid housewife role
G. Dual burden/triple shift
H. Dark side of the family
III. Arguments Against the Patriarchal Nature of the Family
A. Functionalism
B. Marxism
C. Family diversity
D. Changing norms and values
E. Careers and work
F. Social class, religion, and ethnicity
G. Gender-neutral socialization
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis
B. Summarize the main arguments
C. Present a balanced conclusion
To What Extent is the Family Patriarchal?
The question of whether or not the family is a patriarchal institution is a complex one, with arguments to be made on both sides. While traditional family structures often placed men in positions of power, societal shifts and evolving gender roles have led to a more nuanced reality.
Arguments for the Family as Patriarchal
Historically, several factors contributed to the patriarchal nature of the family. Segregated conjugal roles, where men primarily engaged in paid labor and women assumed the role of housewives, perpetuated a power imbalance. This division of labor often resulted in men having greater financial control and decision-making authority within the family.
Moreover, the unpaid housewife role, despite its demands and importance, rendered women financially dependent on their husbands. This economic vulnerability could limit women's autonomy and reinforce male dominance.
Gender role socialization, as highlighted by Ann Oakley in "Sociology of Housework" (1974), further entrenched patriarchal norms. Boys, encouraged to be assertive and independent, were often groomed for leadership roles, while girls, socialized to be nurturing and domestic, were steered towards traditional feminine roles. This socialization process perpetuated the cycle of male dominance and female subordination.
Furthermore, the idealization of the nuclear family, often propagated by media, as argued by Barrett and McIntosh in "The Anti-Social Family" (1982), placed unrealistic expectations on women. This pressure to conform to a specific family model could make women feel inadequate if they deviate from these norms.
Arguments Against the Family as Patriarchal
However, it is crucial to recognize that the family structure is not static. The rise of dual-earner families, where both partners engage in paid work, has challenged traditional patriarchal norms. As women gain greater economic independence, their power and influence within the family increase, leading to more symmetrical families as described by Willmott and Young in "The Symmetrical Family" (1973).
Furthermore, societal values regarding gender roles are evolving. The concept of the "new man," who actively participates in childcare and housework, challenges traditional masculinity and promotes greater equality within the family.
Family diversity also complicates the notion of a universally patriarchal family structure. Same-sex couples and single-parent families, for example, often operate outside traditional gender roles, demonstrating that power dynamics within families can be fluid and adaptable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the family has historically been a site of patriarchy, it is an evolving institution. While remnants of traditional gender roles and power imbalances may persist, societal shifts, changing values, and increasing family diversity have led to a more egalitarian reality for many. It is essential to acknowledge the historical context and ongoing challenges while recognizing the progress made towards greater gender equality within the family unit.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
To what extent is the family patriarchal?
Possible answers:
Arguments for:
- Segregated conjugal roles - men and women typically take on different roles within the family that result in men having more power and status than women;
- Male benefits - the housewife role expects women to look after the needs of men through cooking, cleaning, supporting emotionally and putting the man’s needs before the woman’s;
- Gender role socialization - Oakley - boys are socialized to be tough, aggressive, active and unemotional whilst girls are socialized into domesticity, being caring and gentle and passive;
- Inheritance - a son or male heir traditionally inherits the family’s wealth so that wealth and power stay with the males;
- The anti-social family - Barrett and McIntosh - the media promotes the idea that only the nuclear family can be the ideal, this puts women under pressure when they fail to achieve these impossible goals. Women are made to feel that they are to blame when the family fails;
- Unpaid housewife role - despite the long hours, demands and stress that this role (played by women) causes, it is unpaid - this makes women financially dependent upon men;
- Dual burden/triple shift - even when women engage in paid employment they are still primarily responsible for the housework, childcare, and emotional roles;
- Dark side of the family - women are often the victims of various forms of domestic abuse, coercion, and manipulation within the family - men are not;
- Any other reasonable response.
Arguments against:
- Functionalism - the family isn’t patriarchal, it’s functional for society to have men as the breadwinner and women as the housewife as these are the roles each sex is ‘naturally’ better at;
- Marxism - the family doesn’t support patriarchy, it supports capitalism through things such as consumption and economic dependency;
- Family diversity - same-sex relationships and lone parents are examples of family types that do not support patriarchy - women make the decisions and have the power;
- Changing norms and values - as society changes so does the family. Men are now increasingly involved with childcare and housework (new man) and families are more symmetrical than previously (Willmott and Young, joint conjugal roles);
- Careers and work - as families are increasingly dual worker, women have the same amount of power and status as men and thus families can no longer be seen as patriarchal;
- Social class, religion, and ethnicity - whether or not a family is patriarchal depends on various social factors e.g. some women may find the nuclear family patriarchal, others do not - cultural diversity;
- Gender-neutral socialization - avoiding stereotypes and gendered expectations is becoming more common within families (e.g. in Scandinavia) and is thus reducing patriarchy within the institution;
- Any other reasonable response.