Question

Examine sociological perspectives on gender and the family over time

Answer 1

Sociology is about analysing society and its working at different levels and from different perspectives. They have narrowed down these perspectives into three parts, namely, the Functionalist Perspectives, the Conflict Perspective, and the Interactionist Perspective.

As of functionalist perspectives, it suggests that gender roles help in maximizing social efficiency. Society works as a complex system. Stability is promoted in the society by its different parts. Looking at the macro- level, these consist of norms, traditions, customs and taboos and laws. One has to abide by these to be socially accepted. Following these 'organs of the society' (Analogy suggested by Herbert Spencer) does not make one morally significant.

In the 1950s, Talcott Parson came up with the nuclear family model which talked of gender inequality. He suggested that the reason behind different gender roles is to create a division of labour. This social system enables each gender to contribute their part of work to the society. Men and women are responsible for particular acts of labour. Well explained in this example where women look after the home, while men provide for their living. This is the structural-functionalist view of gender roles.

The Conflict Perceptive claims men as the dominant gender. It addresses the social problems which occur when subordinate gender is mistreated by dominant gender. The bourgeoisie and the proletariat are compared with the family structure by Frederich Engels, a German sociologist. Women are treated as proletariat because they are dependent on men for their wages, giving men an advantage in the control of resources. However, contemporary conflict suggests that women come to power when they start working. One of the instances which changed the society's working was Women's Suffrage Movement.

The Interactionist Perspective explains the working of the society with the use of symbols. The social processes are determined by daily human interaction. In simpler words, people's interaction level depends upon the meaning of the other person in their lives. For instance- While explaining to your professor why you were absent yesterday, you tend to give a straight answer if it is a male professor. If the professor is female, you make an emotional appeal, by stating your excuse.