Breadwinner - GCSE Sociology Definition

In GCSE Sociology, the term 'breadwinner' refers to the person in a household who earns the primary income, supporting family members financially.

Traditionally, this role has been associated with the male head of the family, reflecting historical gender roles where men worked outside the home while women managed domestic responsibilities. However, contemporary shifts in societal norms and economic conditions have seen more women and dual-income households taking on the responsibility of being the main earners.

Understanding the concept of the breadwinner is crucial for examining how family roles and economic contributions are distributed and how these affect family dynamics and structures.