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Causes, effects and solutions FamilyWorkSociety Essay #19
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.

What could be the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
290 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase the topic about fathers staying home/mothers working. State the essay will examine reasons and discuss if it's a positive or negative development.

The contemporary world has witnessed a shift in traditional family roles, with an increasing number of fathers opting to stay at home and care for their children while mothers venture into the workforce. This essay will explore the potential reasons for this trend and discuss whether it is a positive or negative development.

Body 1 · View 1

Discuss reasons for fathers staying at home. Point 1: Change in societal norms promoting gender equality. Point 2: Economic reasons where the higher-earning parent (often mother) continues working.

There are several plausible explanations for the rise in stay-at-home fathers. One key factor is the evolution of societal norms, which now place greater emphasis on gender equality. This shift in societal attitudes has challenged the conventional belief that women are the primary caregivers, encouraging more fathers to take on this role. Additionally, economic factors may also play a part. With the cost of living continually rising, families may find it more financially viable for the higher earning parent, often the mother, to continue working while the other stays at home.

Body 2 · View 2

Discuss positive and negative aspects of this change. Positive: Supports gender equality, allows fathers to bond with children, enables mothers' careers. Negative: May cause men to feel less masculine, potentially leading to stress and family problems.

Turning to the second question, this development can be seen as both positive and negative. On the positive side, it promotes gender equality by challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This not only allows fathers to form a closer bond with their children but also enables mothers to pursue their career ambitions, contributing to a more balanced and equitable society. However, on the downside, it could potentially lead to a sense of emasculation for some men who may feel their traditional role as the primary breadwinner is being undermined. This could, in turn, lead to psychological distress and family discord.

Conclusion

Summarize the main reasons (societal norms, economic needs) and the complex nature of the development (positive for equality/careers, negative for some men's identity/stress).

In conclusion, the rise in stay-at-home fathers can be attributed to changing societal norms and economic necessity. While this development promotes gender equality and allows mothers to pursue their careers, it may also lead to psychological distress for some men, highlighting the complexity of this issue.

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Next question: Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in the countryside. Why do think this is? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?