Power and decision-making in family relationships

Sociologists often examine how power operates within families, particularly through decision-making processes. They argue that true equality in family roles, including the domestic division of labour, requires that power is distributed evenly, with decision-making shared equally between partners.

Research on power imbalances: Hardill et al. (1997)

Hardill et al. (1997) found that middle-class wives generally deferred to their husbands in major decisions, such as where to live, the size of the mortgage, or car purchases. However, wives were often given responsibility for less important domestic decisions, like home decoration.

The shift from functional to damaging family relationships

Sociologists note that functional relationships in families can easily turn into damaging ones, with love sometimes turning to conflict during intense emotional moments. While families are seen as contexts of love and nurturance, they can also be contexts of violence and murder, revealing a dark side to family life. Families that malfunction in this way are known as dysfunctional families.

Crime statistics related to family violence

An examination of crime statistics paints a negative picture of family life.

Key statistics on family-related crimes

• Murders and assaults - Most recorded murders, assaults, and instances of child abuse, including sexual abuse, happen within the family unit.
• Femicide data - According to the Femicide Census Report (2020), 69% of women murdered in the UK in 2018 were killed by partners or family members.
• Child deaths - On average, nearly four children per week in the UK die at the hands of their parents, typically the father or step-father.
• Domestic violence prevalence - Nearly one in four women in the UK experiences physical assault by a male partner at some point in her life.
• Reporting rates - Betsy Stanko's survey of police forces found that one incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute by women.
• Prosecution data - The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reported in 2020 that domestic violence cases made up 52% of its violent crime workload.

Case study: The Baby P affair (2007–2008)

The 'Baby P' affair, which was prominent in 2007–08, focused on the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly from sustained abuse. This case also scrutinised the failings of social services and was one of approximately 200 child murders in the UK during that period.

Under-reporting of domestic violence and its reasons

Domestic violence is thought to be severely under-reported.

Reasons for under-reporting

• Fear of reprisals - Victims worry about further violence or consequences if they report the abuse.
• Protecting children - Many women avoid reporting to shield their children from family disruption or stigma.
• Financial dependence - Economic reliance on the abusive partner can make leaving or reporting seem impossible.
• Self-blame - Victims may internalise responsibility for the violence, believing they provoked it.
• Hope for change - Ongoing love for the partner and belief in their potential to reform can prevent reporting.