Active learning ideas
This topic investigates the internal dynamics of family life, focusing on the division of domestic labour and the distribution of power. Students evaluate the 'symmetrical family' thesis, the idea that roles are becoming more equal, against feminist arguments that women still shoulder a 'double burden' of paid work and housework, or even a 'triple shift' including emotional labour. They also explore how money is managed and how decisions are made within households.
Activity 01
In small groups, students categorise a list of 20 household tasks (e.g., 'fixing a leak', 'buying birthday cards', 'doing the laundry'). They must decide if these are traditionally 'male', 'female', or 'joint', and then compare their findings to modern UK time-use surveys.
Is the symmetrical family a reality or a myth?
Activity 02
Pairs act out a scenario where a couple must decide how to spend a large bonus. One student uses 'pooling' and the other 'the allowance system'. They then discuss how the method of money management influenced who had the final say.
Who holds the power in household decision-making?
Activity 03
Students define the three parts of the 'triple shift' (paid work, housework, emotional work). They share examples of 'emotional work' they have observed in families, such as managing a child's tantrum or planning a family gathering.
How do feminists view the traditional nuclear family?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Men doing more housework means the family is now equal.
Feminists argue that while men do *more* than in the past, the *responsibility* for the home still rests with women. A 'responsibility vs. task' sorting activity can help students see that 'doing the dishes' is different from 'remembering the dishes need to be done'.
Domestic violence is just a 'private' family matter or a 'momentary loss of control'.
Sociologists like Dobash and Dobash argue it is a structural issue used to maintain patriarchal control. Using a 'structured discussion' format helps students move from psychological explanations to sociological ones, looking at how social structures can trigger or excuse such behaviour.
Methods used in this brief
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Childhood in Contemporary Society
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Demography and the Family
Exploring the impact of birth rates, death rates, and migration on family structures and society.
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