Which statement best captures Oakley’s position on jointness in the symmetrical family?

Which statement best captures Oakley’s position on jointness in the symmetrical family?

• A. It overstates women’s workload.
• B. It supports the symmetrical family.
• C. It underestimates women’s unpaid work.
• D. It is unconvincing that jointness is widespread.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is Oakley’s critique of the idea that households are truly joint in their domestic labour. She argues that what looks like shared responsibility is not widespread and doesn’t erase the unequal burden women still carry. In her view, men’s involvement tends to be limited and often still fits gender norms, while women continue to do most of the unpaid work and the day-to-day management of family life. So, the statement that jointness is widespread isn’t convincing, which is why that option best captures Oakley’s position.

The main idea here is Oakley’s critique of the idea that households are truly joint in their domestic labour. She argues that what looks like shared responsibility is not widespread and doesn’t erase the unequal burden women still carry. In her view, men’s involvement tends to be limited and often still fits gender norms, while women continue to do most of the unpaid work and the day-to-day management of family life. So, the statement that jointness is widespread isn’t convincing, which is why that option best captures Oakley’s position.