C1 SB - Families & Relationships - Topic 3, Demographic changes

Question 1

Changes in birth rate:

Answer 1

1. Declining morality - in 1830, death rate in the UK decreased and life expectancy increased.
2. Economic factors - Having a child is now seen as a financial burden as they are excluded from paid work and have to stay in education for longer.
3. Women’s opportunities - Sue Sharpe 1970 vs 1994
4. Changing social attitudes
5. Individualisation
6. Contraception & abortion - 1967 abortion act

Question 2

Long term decline in family size:

Answer 2

1. Changes in gender roles - 1970 equal pay act
2. Children as an economic burden -
3. Changing attitudes - families now more child-centred.

Question 3

Changes in age of marriage:

Answer 3

More couples cohabiting before marriage. Changing social attitudes, therefore less pressure on young people to get married. More educational opportunities for women.

Question 4

Changes in age of childbearing:

Answer 4

Fertility levels rising fastest amongst older women, more freedom of choice (individualisation).