Changing Family Patterns Flashcards
The Neo Conventional Family
A dual-earner family in which both spouses go out to work
Functionalism on Neo conventional family (2)
Some may think its beneficial, both spouses are working = less conflict and promotes social solidarity/ value consensus
Others - bad as there is less of a ‘motherly’ influence - bad impact on socialisation
Marxism on Neo conventional family
(marxist-feminist)
Bad because more people are being exploited by capitalism
Marxist-feminists: women are ‘doubly exploited’
Feminism on Neo conventional family
A good thing - women have financial independence and freedom
New Right on Neo conventional family
Bad - men are natural breadwinners, women are natural caretakers
The Classic Extended Family
3 generations of family living in same household
Reasons for extended family
Lack of social mobility - children get married and stay in same area
Functionalism on extended family
It is beneficial to society as another generation is helping socialise children.
Step Families
(Allan)
Step families can be more complex
- There may be divisions between children
- Children may be less willing to accept control/discipline from step parents
Reasons for Single Person Households
- Decline in marriage/ cohabitation
- Less social stigma of living alone
- Women choose singlehood to pursue careers
Living Apart Together (LATs)
Individuals in a long term intimate relationship, but do not share a home
Why couples choose to LAT? (3)
- Divorce and separation rates have increased
- Growing individualisation and choice in relationships
- Modern Technology - easy to keep close contact e.g. facetime
Reasons for growth in LATs (2)
- Partners may not want their relationship to interfere with care of their kids
- Practical reasons - Partners may work/study in different places.
Reasons for increase in Lone Parent families (4)
- Changing position of women
- Changing attitudes to relationships
- Less stigma attached to lone parenting
- State support for parents
Impacts of increase of Lone Parent Families (4)
- Lack of adequate socialisation
- Increase in female role models
- Growth of co-parenting
- Potential conflict over finance, access etc
What are the two types of cohabitation?
Living together before marriage and living together instead of marriage.
Reasons for increase in cohabitation (3)
- Changing role of women
- Changing social attitudes
- Rise in divorce
