Question

"Women's roles as nurturers and caregivers are even more pronounced in contemporary industrialized societies. While the husband provides economic support and makes decisions, the wife assumes the tasks of providing affection and emotional support for the family. This division of family labor ensures that important societal tasks will be fulfilled. It also provides stability for family members." This statement is consistent with the __________.

A. functionalist perspective
B. postmodern perspective
C. conflict perspective
D. symbolic interactionist perspective

Answer 1

The statement is in line with the functionalist perspective, which views gender roles as an established means to maintain a well-balanced and coordinated family unit, essential for societal stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement given is consistent with the functionalist perspective. This sociological perspective suggests that gender roles have been established to ensure that families, and thus society, are well-balanced and coordinated.

Functionalist theorists argue that these roles were developed due to the physical constraints of pregnancy and nursing on women, leading men and women to take on different tasks that were functional for the family's survival in pre-industrial times.

According to this view, differentiation of roles based on sex promoted the well-being of the family unit and its ability to function effectively within society. The family is seen as fulfilling vital roles both internally, for its own members, and externally, for societal stability and continuity.

Therefore, when it comes to ensuring that important societal tasks are fulfilled and stability is provided for family members, the division of labor between men and women as described aligns with functionalist thinking.