‘Men continue to dominate family life.’ Using sociological material, give one argument against this view.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2023
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the traditional view of male dominance in families. State your argument against this view, emphasizing the evolving nature of family dynamics.
Financial Independence and Decision-Making
Discuss how increased financial independence of women has shifted power dynamics within families. Provide evidence of women's greater involvement in financial decisions. Contrast this with the traditional view of male breadwinners.
Mutual Respect and Love as the Basis of Relationships
Highlight the importance of mutual respect and love in contemporary relationships, challenging the notion of exploitation and domination. Reference sociologists like Somerville and Hakim who support this view.
Negotiated Roles and Individual Needs
Introduce postmodern perspectives on the family, emphasizing the negotiation of roles based on individual needs rather than fixed gender roles. Explain how this challenges the idea of inherent male dominance.
The Rise of Symmetrical Families and Shared Responsibilities
Discuss the increasing prevalence of symmetrical families, where conjugal roles are more equally shared. Explain how this trend undermines the traditional view of female subservience.
Shifting Power Dynamics in Specific Family Structures
Explore scenarios where women hold significant decision-making power, such as in professional couples with unemployed men, using Leighton's research as evidence. Analyze how this challenges the universality of male dominance.
The Emergence of “New Men/New Dads"
Discuss the emergence of "New Men/New Dads" who actively participate in traditionally female roles, fostering a more democratic and less patriarchal family structure.
Conclusion
Reiterate your argument, emphasizing that while remnants of patriarchy may exist, significant shifts in family dynamics challenge the notion of absolute male dominance. Briefly mention possible counterarguments and acknowledge the complexity of family structures in contemporary society.
Argument Against the View that Men Dominate Family Life
The traditional view of the family, with the father as the head of the household and the primary breadwinner, has been challenged in recent decades. While patriarchy undoubtedly exists and continues to shape family dynamics, arguing that men solely dominate family life presents an incomplete picture. This essay argues against the notion of male dominance in the family, citing evidence of evolving gender roles, increased female agency, and a shift towards more egalitarian partnerships.
Financial Independence and Decision-Making
One of the most significant factors challenging male dominance within the family is the rise in women's financial independence. As more women enter the workforce and achieve economic self-sufficiency, they gain greater control over financial decisions within the household. This economic empowerment disrupts the traditional power dynamic where the man, as the primary breadwinner, held greater sway in family matters.
For instance, research shows a correlation between women's earnings and their influence on household spending decisions. This suggests that economic power translates into decision-making power, leading to a more equitable distribution of authority within the family.
Shifting Relationship Dynamics: From Exploitation to Partnership
Furthermore, the assertion that family life is primarily rooted in exploitation and domination ignores the significant proportion of relationships built on mutual respect, love, and shared responsibility. Sociologists like Somerville and Hakim argue that contemporary relationships are increasingly characterized by negotiation and compromise, with both partners contributing to the family's well-being. This shift reflects a move away from traditional patriarchal structures towards more egalitarian partnerships.
The Post-Modern Family: Negotiated Roles and Individual Needs
Post-modern perspectives on the family emphasize its fluidity and adaptability. Rather than adhering to fixed roles and expectations, families are seen as dynamic units where individuals negotiate their roles and responsibilities based on their needs and preferences. In this context, family life becomes less about male dominance and more about finding arrangements that work for all members, regardless of gender.
The Rise of Symmetrical Families and Joint Conjugal Roles
Supporting this idea, we see a rise in symmetrical families where conjugal roles are more equally shared between partners. This involves a blurring of traditional gender boundaries, with men taking on more domestic responsibilities like childcare and housework, while women participate actively in the economic sphere. This trend signifies a move away from female subservience and towards a more democratic and less patriarchal family structure.
Challenging Assumptions: Female Decision-Making in Specific Contexts
It's crucial to recognize that power dynamics within families are not monolithic and can vary depending on specific circumstances. Research by Leighton, for example, indicates that in professional couples where the man is unemployed, women tend to assume responsibility for critical decisions. This challenges the generalization of male dominance, highlighting the fluid nature of power within families.
The Emergence of the 'New Man' and Evolving Masculinity
Finally, the emergence of the 'New Man' or 'New Dad' further challenges traditional notions of male dominance in the family. These men actively engage in traditionally female-associated roles, embracing childcare and emotional labor within the family. This shift in masculine norms contributes to a more democratic and less patriarchal family environment, fostering greater equality between partners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while patriarchal structures undoubtedly persist in society and can influence family dynamics, the argument that men solely dominate family life is a simplification. Factors like increased female financial independence, shifting relationship dynamics, the rise of symmetrical families, and the evolution of masculinity all point towards a more nuanced understanding of power within the family. While complete equality may remain a goal, it is clear that contemporary families are moving away from traditional models of male dominance, embracing more equitable and fulfilling partnerships.
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Argument Against the View that Men Dominate Family Life
Increased financial independence of women has led to greater decision making in financial matters and greater equality of power in the family.
The bulk of relationships are based on mutual respect and love, rather than exploitation and domination (Somerville/Hakim).
Family serves the individual’s needs whereby roles are negotiated according to post-modernism perspectives.
An increase in symmetrical families with conjugal roles becoming more joint and equally shared, reducing female subservience to the male.
Women tend to have responsibility for important decisions in professional couples where the man is unemployed (Leighton).
An increase in ‘New Men/New Dad’ who are more actively involved in undertaking the traditional expressive role of the woman, leading to a more democratic and less patriarchal setup within family life.
Any other appropriate point.