How is a symmetrical family defined?

A symmetrical family is characterized by a sharing of parental responsibilities, where both partners typically participate equally in child-rearing and household tasks. This model suggests a more egalitarian approach to family dynamics, moving away from traditional family structures where one parent, often the mother, primarily handles domestic duties and child care, while the other, often the father, is the breadwinner.

In a symmetrical family, the roles are more balanced, reflecting modern societal changes where both men and women may work outside the home and contribute to household management. This type of family structure is often associated with increased communication and cooperation between partners, promoting a partnership model in parenting and decision-making processes.

This contrasts with perspectives that emphasize traditional gender roles, dominance, or unequal distribution of responsibilities, which are more aligned with conventional family dynamics rather than the idea of a symmetrical family.