What is meant by the 'symmetrical family' and what are the reasons for its rise?

There has been a growing trend that moves away from the separated conjugal roles of the within the family towards the symmetrical family, which basically means more similar roles exist. These include women now going out to work, men helping with the housework and childcare and couples spending more leisure time together. Young and Willmott support support this view of moving towards joint conjugal roles from their research. 

The symmetrical family has become a more popular family dynamic for many reasons including:

- geographical mobility

- changes in women's position

- new technology and labour saving devices

- higher standards of living.