A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What do Delphy and Leonard argue about women's role in society?

1. Women dominate leadership positions

2. Women are essential contributors to capitalism

3. Women are exploited through domestic labour

4. Women have equal opportunities in education

The correct answer is: Women are exploited through domestic labour

Delphy and Leonard argue that women are exploited through domestic labour, highlighting the idea that much of the work women do within the home—such as childcare, housework, and emotional support—remains undervalued and unrecognized in the capitalist economy. They contend that this domestic work is critical for the functioning of society and the economy, as it supports the workforce and sustains family life, yet it does not receive the same acknowledgment or monetary compensation that jobs in the public or corporate sectors do. Their analysis presents a perspective that women's unpaid labour is a fundamental part of capitalism, serving to perpetuate gender inequalities and economic exploitation, as this work enables men to participate in the paid workforce without the burden of domestic responsibilities. In this framework, the emphasis on domestic labour underscores how traditional gender roles perpetuate the marginalization of women's contributions, both socially and economically, thereby reinforcing systemic inequalities. Recognizing this exploitation allows for a deeper understanding of the intersection between gender and economic structures in society.