Changing Conjugal Roles - Student
Handout
1. Segregated vs Joint Conjugal Roles
• Segregated Roles:
- Traditional division of labor.
- Men work outside; women handle domestic duties.
- Example: Husband works full-time; wife stays home.
• Joint Roles:
- Shared household and childcare responsibilities.
- Reflects equality and communication.
- Example: Both partners work and share chores.
2. Symmetrical Family (Wilmott & Young)
• Concept from the 1970s showing equal roles for husbands and wives.
• Features include shared chores, both partners working, joint decision-making.
• More common in young, socially isolated, and nuclear families.
• Reflects the shift toward modern, equal partnerships.
3. Dual-earner Families
• Both adults are in paid employment.
• Results from women's career advancement and financial necessity.
• Often encourages joint conjugal roles.
• Can lead to challenges balancing work and home life.
4. Impact of Diverse Family Types
• Family types include lone-parent, same-sex, reconstituted, extended, childfree.
• Each type influences conjugal roles differently.
- Same-sex couples often show egalitarian roles.
- Lone parents juggle multiple roles.
- Step-families may renegotiate roles.
• Shows that roles are shaped by structure and circumstance.
5. Pivot/Sandwich Generation
• Adults who care for both children and elderly parents.
• Face emotional, financial, and time pressures.
• Often leads to shared roles and role conflict.
• Highlights how family roles evolve with demographic changes.