Negotiating Roles in Relationships

By: Eden, Shelby and Vanessa

Negotiating Roles- discuss the distribution of tasks in any relationship

Discussion Questions1)What is your perspective on

gender roles and on negotiating roles? Explain.

2)What are your parents roles in your house hold?

3)What are the costs and benefits of gender roles in a family?

Intro/Explanation:• Traditional Roles: -Men: instrumental role, pursue success in achieving financial stability-Women: expressive role, maintain and take care of family and marriage• Now: Traditional roles do not apply as much-dual income families (balancing roles between spouses)-different cultures & religions & traditions it does-negotiating in heterosexual couples (more social norms) vs. same sex couples (no social norms)

Roles of Marital System

• Functionalism & Systems Theory-Develop strategies for

everyday work, house work and marital decision making • Reciprocal roles

Meeting Each others Needs• Learn how to contribute and

receive in marital relationship• Marital Relationship has social

and emotional needs• Communication is key• Need to take assertive roles =

respect for self and spouse

Outside Influences• Affect how couples want to create their

relationships • Some include:

-cultural-social-family traditions-ideological

• Now: Narrow gap between gender roles