Arthur and Molly. Was: Re: Digest Number 6322

[Lynda Cordova]

No: HPFGUIDX 136787

Susan wrote:
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In some ways, Molly and Arthur have a very traditional relationship 
in terms of gender roles. Her arena is mostly the family, the 
household, and child care. His arena is mostly work and supporting 
the family. As I've said before, I find this too rigid for my own 
taste. However, I grew up in a family like that in that my father 
worked outside the home, and my mother worked inside the home. In 
Molly and Arthur's situation, it seems to work for them.

But in other ways, Molly and Arthur do not conform to highly rigid 
gendered roles. Molly is loud, she shouts, she makes her opinions 
known. Arthur is more quiet and laid back. This is contrary to what 
men and women are supposed to be like.
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Lynda says:
 
I've been reading the posts concerning Molly and contemplating what to say, and now I think I've got it.  I agree that in many ways Arthur and Molly Weasley do have a traditional male/female relationship.  Molly stays home and cares for the household and the kids and they've made a lot of sacrifices so that she can do so.  Raising seven kids is an awesome task, and is sure to give any set of parents a few hair-raising moments.  With the decision made that Molly will stay home, it is of course necessary for Arthur to work long hours, and the overtime would more than likely always be welcome.  He does try to be there whenever possible, though.  He went with them to buy school supplies in COS and then again in POA.  He took the kids to the Quidditch World Cup.  From comments made by the kids, most especially Ron, he takes a little more of a hand in the rearing of his children than seems evident at the first glance.  And as far as guidance/discipline goes, with the hours that he works,
 the "wait until your father gets home" method of handling things probably would not be the best way to handle things.  In fact, Arthur's normally laid-back manner of parenting probably makes his children take more notice of those times when he does find a need to stop a particular behavior.
 
Lynda