10 marker on domestic violence as part of the couple topic in families and households

Applying material from Item B, analyse two reasons for patterns of domestic violence 10 marker on domestic violence

Applying material from Item B, analyse two reasons for patterns of domestic violence (10)

Gender roles in patriarchal society

Belong to disadvantaged social groups and live under difficult circumstances

A reason for patterns of domestic violence are inequalities in income

and housing. As stated in the item, ‘Victims… are more likely to live

under difficult circumstances.’ This refers to people who are on low

income and that because they are not able to afford resources, they

would experience stress which would increase the risk of conflict and

violence. Sociologists, Wilkinson and Pickett show that not all people

are equally in danger of suffering domestic violence and that the ones

who are at greater risk of domestic violence are those with less power,

status, wealth or income. An example of this is that families may be

worried about money, jobs or living in overcrowded accommodation.

This may lead to high levels of stress and tension which could lead to

domestic violence as the tempers become frayed. Therefore, patterns

of domestic violence could be caused by inequalities in income as this

could cause family members experiencing high levels of stress due to

not being able to afford certain resources and that their chances of

maintaining stable, caring relationships reduces leading to patterns of

domestic violence. Marxist feminists such as Ansley, would criticise the

materialist explanation as well as Wilkinson and Pickett as they argue

that patterns of domestic violence are the product of capitalism and

not lack of materials. This means that male workers are exploited at

work and they take their frustration out on their wives.

A second reason for patterns of domestic violence is patriarchy as men are

socialised into believing that they have power over women and can

dominate them through violence. As stated in the item, ‘domestic violence is

linked to gender roles in patriarchal society. This means that the

instrumental roles and expressive roles play a part in domestic violence as

the men are the breadwinners and may be the main source of income which

would make them feel like they hold power over their homemaker wives

who have less or no power in a patriarchal household. Dobash and Dobash

found that most domestic violence took place within the family. They

suggested that marriage encouraged the man to adopt power over the

woman, whereas the woman feels dependant on the man. This could imply

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