A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which role is primarily associated with the female according to Parsons?

1. Provider of economic resources

2. Establishing family authority

3. Emotional support and nurturing

4. Leader of family decisions

The correct answer is: Emotional support and nurturing

The role primarily associated with females according to Parsons is emotional support and nurturing. This perspective is rooted in Parsons' view of the traditional family structure, where he outlined distinct roles for men and women to promote social stability. He characterized women as embodying the expressive role within the family, which is centered around emotional support, caregiving, and nurturing of children. This role is seen as essential for fostering the well-being of family members and ensuring the emotional cohesiveness of the family unit. In contrast, the other roles listed are typically associated with the male or parent figure in Parsons' model. For example, the provider of economic resources role aligns more with the traditional male breadwinner perspective, while establishing family authority and leading family decisions are also roles that Parsons attributes predominantly to men. Therefore, the view that women have a primary role focused on emotional support and nurturing is consistent with Parsons’ emphasis on gender roles in the family, underscoring the social functions these roles serve within a functionalist framework.