Becker’s specialization theory

This theory emphasizes the role of specialization in social groups. Specialization provides efficiency gains and is rational. This theory emerged out of economics (Becker 1991) but can be applied to family theory through the emphasis on the roles of spouses within families.

Specifically, Parsons (see Structural functionalism wiki page) argued that men and women performed different roles in the family (i.e., specialization) with men performing the breadwinning role and women performing the nurturing role.

Sayer et al. posit that the likelihood of divorce increases for heterosexual couples when men are not breadwinners because they are not performing the specialized male role within the marriage. Their analysis suggests some support for this argument.