Domestic division of labour

    AQA
    GCSE

    Analysis of the domestic division of labour focuses on the allocation of household tasks, childcare, and emotion work between partners. Candidates must evaluate the shift from segregated conjugal roles (Parsons) to the contested concept of the 'symmetrical family' (Young and Willmott). Critical assessment requires contrasting 'March of Progress' theories with Feminist critiques highlighting the persistence of the 'dual burden' and 'triple shift'. Discussion must integrate material explanations (rational choice based on earning power) versus cultural explanations (patriarchal norms and gender scripts) to explain continuing inequalities in contemporary households.

    0
    Objectives
    5
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    5
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit explicit use of sociological terminology: segregated/joint conjugal roles, symmetrical family, instrumental/expressive roles.
    • Award marks for contrasting Functionalist optimism (Young & Willmott) with Feminist skepticism (Oakley, Duncombe & Marsden).
    • Candidates must distinguish between the division of labour (tasks) and the division of power (decision-making/financial control).
    • High-level responses must evaluate whether 'commercialisation of housework' has genuinely led to equality or merely shifted the burden.
    • Credit application of contemporary trends, such as the impact of women's paid employment on domestic negotiation.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit explicit use of sociological terminology: segregated/joint conjugal roles, symmetrical family, instrumental/expressive roles.
    • Award marks for contrasting Functionalist optimism (Young & Willmott) with Feminist skepticism (Oakley, Duncombe & Marsden).
    • Candidates must distinguish between the division of labour (tasks) and the division of power (decision-making/financial control).
    • High-level responses must evaluate whether 'commercialisation of housework' has genuinely led to equality or merely shifted the burden.
    • Credit application of contemporary trends, such as the impact of women's paid employment on domestic negotiation.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When answering 12-mark questions, ensure a 'chain of reasoning' is established: Point -> Explanation -> Evidence (Sociologist) -> Evaluation.
    • 💡Explicitly reference the provided Item (e.g., 'As mentioned in Item A...') to secure AO2 application marks.
    • 💡Do not just list sociologists; juxtapose them. Use Oakley to directly critique the methodology of Young & Willmott.
    • 💡Allocate 15 minutes strictly for the 12-mark essay to ensure sufficient depth of evaluation.
    • 💡Differentiate between 'help' (male participation) and 'responsibility' (female management) when discussing equality.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'joint conjugal roles' (sharing tasks) with 'equality' (doing 50/50).
    • Relying on anecdotal evidence or personal family structures rather than sociological studies.
    • Failing to distinguish between the 'dual burden' (paid work + housework) and the 'triple shift' (adding emotion work).
    • Attributing the 'instrumental/expressive' distinction to Young & Willmott instead of Parsons.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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