9-52 According to retail analysts Mintel, 84 percent of women state that they influence important household financial decisions, compared to just 49 percent of men.125 In a stereotypical nuclear family, the members are parts of a decision-making unit.

Within the household there are power struggles and intrigue, just like on the board of a corporation. Each individual may have a clear set of requirements and strategies that they deploy to influence decision-making situations. How do the household member roles inform us about the decision-making unit? Do the recognized roles have any relevance to non-stereotypical households? Does the framework have any value in other cultures and societies?