Table of Contents
- Conjugal Roles: A Sociological Concept
- Feminist Perspectives on Conjugal Roles
- Marxist Perspectives on Conjugal Roles
- Comparing Feminist and Marxist Perspectives
- Conclusion: Conjugal Roles in Contemporary Society
The division of labour within the family has long been a subject of sociological inquiry, particularly when examined through the lenses of feminist and Marxist perspectives. Both schools of thought analyse how conjugal roles, or the roles that men and women take within the household, are shaped by broader societal structures. However, they approach the subject from different angles. Feminist theory focuses on how the family serves as a key institution that perpetuates patriarchy and enforces gender inequality. In contrast, Marxist theory examines the family as part of the capitalist system, which reproduces class inequality and exploits labour, including unpaid domestic labour.
In this article, we will explore both feminist and Marxist views on the division of labour in families, comparing and contrasting their approaches and demonstrating how these perspectives offer unique insights into the structure of family life. We will consider how these roles have evolved in the UK context and the implications for gender and class relations in contemporary society.
Conjugal Roles: A Sociological Concept
Before diving into the specifics of feminist and Marxist perspectives, it is important to understand what conjugal roles entail. The term refers to the roles that married or cohabiting partners, typically men and women, take on in their family life. These roles can be joint, where both partners share responsibilities such as childcare and housework, or segregated, where these duties are divided along traditional gender lines—men as breadwinners and women as homemakers.
Conjugal roles have evolved significantly over time. In the UK, families have transitioned from the traditional segregated roles prevalent in the pre-industrial and early industrial periods to more joint roles in the contemporary family structure. However, despite this shift, the division of labour within the home remains unequal in many households, reflecting deep-rooted societal norms about gender and family responsibilities.
Feminist Perspectives on Conjugal Roles
The Family as a Patriarchal Institution
From a feminist perspective, the family is viewed as a critical site for the reproduction of patriarchy—a system of male dominance that permeates all aspects of society. Feminists argue that the traditional division of labour within families reinforces gender inequalities by assigning women the bulk of domestic responsibilities, such as housework, childcare, and emotional labour, while men take on roles that are more valued in society, such as paid employment outside the home.
Key feminist thinkers have highlighted how these gendered roles are not natural but socially constructed to benefit men and uphold patriarchal power. The concept of the “double shift” is particularly important in feminist discourse. This term refers to the phenomenon where women, even when they engage in paid employment, are still expected to perform the majority of unpaid domestic work. This means that women are effectively working two jobs—one outside the home and one within it—while men are often only required to engage in paid work.
The Conventional Family and Feminist Critiques
Feminists like Ann Oakley have been particularly critical of the conventional family, which she defined as a nuclear family where gender roles are strictly divided. According to Oakley, the conventional family reinforces the idea that women’s primary role is that of homemaker, a position that limits their economic independence and keeps them subordinate to men. Oakley also pointed out that this arrangement is often seen as the societal norm, making it difficult for women to challenge their roles without facing social sanctions or guilt.
Feminists argue that the domestic division of labour in the family not only perpetuates economic dependence but also reinforces the idea that women are naturally suited to caregiving and homemaking tasks. This belief is deeply embedded in societal norms and continues to shape family dynamics even as more women enter the workforce.
Gender Inequality and Power Dynamics
Feminist theory places a strong emphasis on how the unequal division of labour within the family translates into broader power dynamics between men and women. In many households, men retain control over key decisions, including financial ones, even in families where both partners work. This imbalance of power is seen as a direct consequence of the way conjugal roles are distributed, with men positioned as the primary breadwinners and women relegated to secondary, supportive roles.
Feminist scholars also draw attention to the concept of emotional labour, which refers to the invisible work women do in maintaining family relationships and ensuring the emotional well-being of household members. While this labour is often overlooked, it plays a crucial role in maintaining family life and further entrenches gender inequality, as men are typically not expected to contribute to this type of work.
- Key concepts in feminist perspectives on conjugal roles:
- Patriarchy
- Double shift
- Domestic division of labour
- Emotional labour
- Power dynamics in the family
