Some Sociologists Argue That with the Rise in the Symmetrical Family, the Patriarchal Power of the Husband Has Disappeared and Relationships Have Become More Equal and Democratic. Using Relevant Sociological Theories,
Some sociologists argue that with the rise in the symmetrical family, the patriarchal power of the husband has disappeared and relationships have become more equal and democratic. Using relevant sociological theories, how far do you agree with this view?
Many sociologists see the family as the foundation of society, forming the basis for social organization. Each theorist will explain this in different ways, taking different factors into account such as gender, economics, reproduction and patriarchy. Some sociologists argue that patriarchy is dissolving and relationships between husband and wife are moving away from segregated conjugal roles and towards more joint conjugal roles. Others, particularly feminists, still firmly believe that patriarchy is the main barrier to women’s freedom. By looking at the different sociological perspectives of the family, this essay will attempt resolve the debate about whether or not the patriarchal power of the husband is disappearing and relationships between partners are becoming more equal.
The nuclear family, two adults living together with their children, can be identified in almost all societies. Sociologists previously thought that it was the extended family that was the most predominant form of family, meaning family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews would live in one household. However, looking at the average household size throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries which was 4.75 persons (including domestic servants) compared with the current average in the UK standing at 3.04, it seems to have been the nuclear family the was the main family unit in premodern times. Historical sociologist Lawrence Stone did not see the family as a form of dependency or a place of emotional attachment.
“The family during this period was an open-ended, low-keyed, unemotional, authoritarian institution. It was also very short-lived, being frequently dissolved by the death of the
Many sociologists see the family as the foundation of society, forming the basis for social organization. Each theorist will explain this in different ways, taking different factors into account such as gender, economics, reproduction and patriarchy. Some sociologists argue that patriarchy is dissolving and relationships between husband and wife are moving away from segregated conjugal roles and towards more joint conjugal roles. Others, particularly feminists, still firmly believe that patriarchy is the main barrier to women’s freedom. By looking at the different sociological perspectives of the family, this essay will attempt resolve the debate about whether or not the patriarchal power of the husband is disappearing and relationships between partners are becoming more equal.
The nuclear family, two adults living together with their children, can be identified in almost all societies. Sociologists previously thought that it was the extended family that was the most predominant form of family, meaning family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews would live in one household. However, looking at the average household size throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries which was 4.75 persons (including domestic servants) compared with the current average in the UK standing at 3.04, it seems to have been the nuclear family the was the main family unit in premodern times. Historical sociologist Lawrence Stone did not see the family as a form of dependency or a place of emotional attachment.
“The family during this period was an open-ended, low-keyed, unemotional, authoritarian institution. It was also very short-lived, being frequently dissolved by the death of the