Question

Explain the difference between feminist and structural-functional perspectives on gender roles in the family. To what extent to do you agree or disagree with these two perspectives? Explain your position.

Answer 1

Structural Functional perspective on gender roles in the family:

The structural functional perspective of gender in family is that there are certain roles which is assigned to each gender and for a smooth functioning of the institution of family. It is necessary that both men and women carry out their respective responsibilities or roles.Men in the family are assigned with the role of bread winner or provider of the family , whereas, the women are assigned as the care taker of the family. This division of labor gives family a stability and enhance it's function in the society.

This perspective is becoming meaning less as most of the women has taken up the role of provider and other roles that were exclusively assigned for men ,hence, this view point is outdated and creates issues. In a family both the partners are equal and all the responsibilities and roles should be shared equally instead of dividing the labor.

Feminist Perspective

Feminist Perspective on gender roles in the family is based on Conflict theory that views women are supressed under the patriarchal form that asserts dominance over women. Gender is a socially construct concept that discriminates women in a family.Because of the patriarchy men enjoy the privelege and the women are oppressed in a family.They are considered merely as a care taker and are banned from taking important decisions in a family even though they earn economically for their family.This imbalance creates conflict and tension and rebellion is the only way.

Yes, the concept of gender is socially constructed and this concept gives privileges to men than men,but, conflict is not the only way of resolution as the feminist theory views,men shouldn't be always considered as oppressers.Instead of this women should be considered as equals, not weak or oppressed and this should be revolutionized instead of rebellion.