According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, replacing a housewife with paid laborers would cost at least $100,000 per year. How could this be interpreted according to conflict theory?
A) The instrumental role is more valuable than the expressive role.
B) Domestic work is a highly functional adaptation that produces gender equality within a family.
C) Gender identity is so important to our social selves that we cannot determine anyone's role in the household without first determining their gender.
D) Men have a great deal to lose if gender segregation disappears.
E) Gender inequality is mostly produced and reproduced through interaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conflict theory suggests that social structures and relationships are shaped by power struggles and inequalities. In this context, the high cost of replacing a housewife with paid laborers highlights the economic value of domestic work, which is traditionally undervalued and gender-segregated. According to conflict theory, men, who typically benefit from gender segregation in domestic roles, would have a lot to lose if this segregation disappeared, as it would challenge the existing power dynamics and economic advantages.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Replacing a Housewife