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Power Inequalities

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Power Inequalities

Different people have different views on power inequalities between man and woman, and there are many different theories on the topic, like Parsons Theory, which states that men and womans roles are biologically determined. Other theories, like Wilmott and Youngs theory states that families now are more symmetrical, meaning they're more egalitarian.

However, feminists believe that although women do have more power than before, they are still exploited for the benefit of men. This essay will be describing the many different theories on power inequalities and the results of some studies that were conducted on the topic.

Functionalist Talcott Parsons (1956) believes that the family works best when there is a clear-cut sexual division of labour where the woman, who in Parsons view is naturally expressive, should provide care for the children and offer them emotional support. Whereas the man, who in Parsons view is naturally instrumental, is the breadwinner in the family. This can result to stress for the man, so Parson believes the woman should also use their expressive and nurturing tendencies to stabilize and comfort men. This sexual division of labour will then provide the family with stability.

Another functionalist view on child-rearing was advanced by John Bowlby (1953) who argued that the mother is crucial for the future socialization of the child. If there is maternal deprivation, then the child will suffer serious social and psychological difficulties later in life. Bowlby argues that a childs mental health is guaranteed through a close and constant relationship with his/her mother. Some who argue that working mothers are neglectful of their children use Bowlby's maternal deprivation thesis to support their point of view.

Michael Young and Peter Willmott argue that families have become more symmetrical in the stage 3 family.

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