#edgell

CONJUGAL ROLES SOCIOLOGY

DECISION MAKING

Edgell (1980) performed interviews on middle class couples and detailed how the organizational-capabilities of each member were not symmetrical. Wives made decisions regarding decorating and domestic spending; whereas husbands dominated decisions concerning large-scale finance (moving house, new cars, etc.).

Hunt noted that despite women having these capabilities, men still often have the final say, with meals and decoration coordinated in his tastes. It is argued that men are socialized to be the decision makers, and that this is affirmed in patriarchal ideology.

CONTROL OF MONEY

Historically, women haven’t felt entitlement to the “family wage” as traditionally it was brought in by the husband and even today the wife’s earning are perceived as a supplement to basic male income. Hunt observed how the earning of the husband were typically spent on essentials and the wife’s on extras.

Pahl (1993) argued there are three key variations of power relationships which governs the distribution of the family wage:

Husband hands over wage packet - wife gives him “pocket money”

Husband keeps wage packet - provides wife with “housekeeping” allowance

Resources are pooled - spending decisions are made collectively