SOCIOLOGY: WIFE SWAP EDITION
You may have seen the ABC TV show Wife Swap. In this show two wives trade places and spend
a week living as typical for the family they are with, and the following week changing the rules. As part
of this, they must make a household manual. These are essentially the norms for the family that can
include folkways, mores, and taboos. In some cases, there are predetermined sanctions to enforce the
values mentioned within their manuals. You will be creating a similar manual for your future home or
for a fictional family. (Though your answers may include aspects of your current home, keep in mind you
are NOT making a manual for your current home.) Do this individually. Make sure to keep the details in
the order they are on this page, underlining or highlighting each bolded heading on your paper.
DO NOT TALK DURING THIS ACTIVITY. TALKING WILL RESULT IN AN AM OR PM. YOU WILL HAVE A
CHANCE TO SHARE LATER DURING THE SECOND PHASE OF THE ACTIVITY.
WELCOME TO OUR HOME
Describe your future home. What are the names and ages of the occupants? What are their
main personality traits?
HOUSEHOLD
How are roles divided?
What are your general views on cleaning? Who takes care of what and how often?
APPEARANCES
How would you describe your appearance? Your family’s appearance?
Are appearances important to you and your family?
KIDS
What rules do the children have?
Do the children receive allowance? If so, what is done with it? If not, why not?
What methods of discipline do you use?
COOKING AND MEALS
Who does the cooking?
How often do you go out to eat?
Does the family eat together? How often?
DAILY ROUTINES
What are typical mealtimes?
What are the daily activities of each family member?
WEEKENDS
What is a typical Saturday like for your family?
What is a typical Sunday like for your family?
EDUCATION
What type of school do your children attend and why?
FINANCES
Who chooses what is bought?
Do you spend more or save more?
What are your biggest non-essential expenses?