ExpertMinds LogoExpertMinds
Medium4 marksStructured
FamiliesFamiliesFeminismPatriarchyAnn Oakley

AQA GCSE · Question 08 · Families

SOURCE TEXT:
Item B
In 1982, Ann Oakley defined the conventional family as a nuclear family that consisted of a married couple and their children who lived together. She identified a number of features associated with conventional families:
• Women were expected to do unpaid work inside the home while men were expected to do paid work outside the home.
• The man's economic power was linked to his income from paid work.
• The woman's dependence on the man's wages was an aspect of inequality.
Statistically the conventional family is no longer the norm, but according to Oakley the idea of the conventional family life remained a powerful one in society.
Source: Oakley, A, Conventional Families, 1982.

QUESTION:
From Item B, identify and describe one way in which Oakley saw the conventional family as being patriarchal, including what you know of her perspective on the family.

How to approach this question

First, carefully read Item B and identify a feature that demonstrates male power or female disadvantage. The item lists several. Choose one, such as 'The woman's dependence on the man's wages'. Then, describe this feature using your own words and link it to the concept of patriarchy. Finally, add your own knowledge by explaining that Oakley is a feminist who sees this economic inequality as a key way men dominate women within the family.

Full Answer

From Item B, one way Oakley saw the conventional family as patriarchal is through the woman's economic dependence on the man. The item states 'The woman's dependence on the man's wages was an aspect of inequality'. As a feminist sociologist, Oakley argued that this arrangement reinforces patriarchy, or male dominance. The man's role as the sole breadwinner gives him financial power and control within the family, while the woman's unpaid domestic role makes her subordinate and reliant on him.
Ann Oakley is a prominent feminist sociologist who has been highly critical of the 'conventional' nuclear family. She argues that it is a patriarchal institution that serves to oppress women. Key to her argument is the gendered division of labour, where women are primarily responsible for housework and childcare (the 'housewife' role), while men are the breadwinners. This creates economic dependency, which is a major source of power inequality. By being financially reliant on their husbands, women are disempowered and their role is devalued.

Common mistakes

Students might only quote from the item without adding their own sociological knowledge about Oakley's feminist perspective or the concept of patriarchy. To get full marks, you must link the item to wider concepts.
07All questions09

Practice the full AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 1

22 questions · hints · full answers · grading

Sign up freeTake the exam

More questions from this exam

Q01What term is commonly used by sociologists to describe the experience of women who have both a pa...EasyQ02What term is commonly used by sociologists to describe the way that parents channel their childre...EasyQ03Describe one example of a commune.MediumQ04Identify and describe one consequence of divorce for family members.MediumQ05From Item A, examine one strength of using statistics to research one-person households.Easy
View all 22 questions →