Delphy and Leonard on Gender Roles | A Level Sociology - Families

This study video explores the work of Delphy and Leonard who looked at the role of women in families and particularly at housework and the idea that women were exploited by their husbands. #aqasociology #aqaALevelSociology #ALevelSociology VIDEO TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction to Delphy and Leonard's work on gender roles in families. 00:27: Women's exploitation in the family is due to patriarchy, benefiting men. 00:58: Domestic labor by women is unpaid and undervalued. 02:06: Men helping with housework is seen as exceptional. 03:11: Women have less leisure time due to assumptions about domestic tasks. 04:11: Criticisms: Ignoring capitalism's impact and changes in family types. 05:14: Lesbian partnerships show more equal division of labor. VIDEO SUMMARY The video discusses the work of Delphy and Leonard on gender roles in families. Delphy and Leonard argued that women were exploited in the family due to patriarchy, benefiting men. They claimed that the structure of the family favored men in terms of domestic labor, child care, leisure time, and decision making. Domestic labor performed by women in the home was unpaid and undervalued, despite its contribution to the wider economy. Men's involvement in housework and child care was seen as exceptional, while women were expected to fulfill these roles. Delphy and Leonard highlighted the unequal distribution of leisure time, with men having more opportunities to relax compared to women. Domestic labor became associated with women, reinforced through language and social institutions. Their work connects with concepts like the dual burden and triple shift, where women are expected to take on additional roles after paid work. Critics argue that Delphy and Leonard overlooked the influence of capitalism on gendered labor and the lower status of female employment. Changes in family types challenge the notion that men are solely responsible for the division of labor. Research suggests that the presence of males and patriarchal norms influence the unequal division of housework, as seen in lesbian partnerships where it is more equal.

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