Expressiveness is a term used by sociologists Talcott Parsons and Robert Bales to refer to a concern for the maintenance of harmony and the internal emotional affairs of the family or a small group. This role is often traditionally associated with women in the family, involving providing emotional support, nurturing relationships, and managing interpersonal conflicts to ensure the well-being and cohesion of the group. Expressive roles focus on the affective and emotional needs of group members, contributing to social integration and solidarity. Parsons and Bales contrasted this with instrumentality, which refers to a focus on task-oriented goals, decision-making, and the external relationships of the group, often traditionally associated with men in the family. These concepts were part of their functionalist analysis of family roles and their contribution to the overall functioning of society.