Which topics have feminist approaches contributed to studying the family?

• A. Housework only
• B. Domestic violence only
• C. Housework, domestic violence, effects on careers, continuing inequality
• D. Education only

Answer: (C)

Feminist approaches to studying the family focus on how gender inequalities shape family life. They draw attention to the unpaid and often unequal division of housework and childcare, showing how women frequently carry more domestic and emotional labor. They also examine domestic violence as a site where patriarchal power is exercised within family life, highlighting its impact on women’s safety and well-being. Additionally, feminism considers how gender roles influence women's careers, pointing to factors like the motherhood penalty, part-time work, and career interruptions that contribute to unequal outcomes in pay and progression. Finally, feminist analysis emphasizes continuing inequality within families and in society—such as imbalanced decision-making power and control over resources—that keeps gender hierarchies in place. Because it covers all these areas, the topics that feminism has contributed to studying the family include housework, domestic violence, effects on careers, and continuing inequality, rather than focusing on a single aspect like education.