How has the decline of the close-knit extended family affected equality in the family?

• A. More pressure from kin to retain traditional roles.
• B. No change in family roles.
• C. Less pressure from kin makes it easier to adopt new roles.
• D. Increased kinship obligations.

Answer: (C)

As kin pressure from the extended family decreases, there is less social constraint to stick to traditional, gendered roles. When the close network that might insist on fixing domestic tasks, who works, and who makes decisions weakens, couples can experiment with more equal arrangements. This makes it easier for both partners to take on roles that suit them, such as shared housework or dual incomes, leading to greater equality in the family.

The other possibilities imply more pressure, no change, or increased obligations from kin, which doesn’t align with the idea that a smaller extended family reduces external control over family norms and roles.