Final answer:
Feminist theory emphasizes gender inequality and the intersectionality of gender with race, ethnicity, and class as central to family life, underscoring the perpetuation of male dominance through traditional gender roles and advocating for democratic arrangements and equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within feminist theory, the claims about the family that are central include the concept of gender inequality being deeply ingrained in family life and the idea that experiences within the family differ for men and women, especially when intersected by race, ethnicity, and social class. This perspective, known as intersectionality, acknowledges the complexity and diversity of women's experiences, asserting that these cannot be universally generalized due to differences in social positions and power structures.
Feminist theorists also contend that the family serves to perpetuate male dominance, particularly within patriarchal societies where men's contributions are often valued more than women's. These gender roles, and the division of labor they imply, serve to maintain the status quo in gender dynamics, with men often fulfilling 'instrumental roles' providing financial support and establishing family status, and women taking on 'expressive roles' focusing on emotional support and caregiving within the home environment.
Such theoretical frameworks challenge the historical assumptions about gender roles, seeking to unpack and address the inherent power imbalances that exist and advocate for more democratic arrangements in the home and society at large.