Changing Family Patterns Flashcards
What did Levin say about changing family patterns?
Levin (2004) said the traditional life course was compulsury until the 1960s.
What did Parsons & Fletcher say about marriage?
Parsons & Fletcher said marriage is too valued. More is expected now and this has been a major cause of divorce. People no longer tolerate unhappy marriages.
Who said ones with the dual birden were more likely to divorce?
What was the contrasting view?
Sigle-Rushton (2007)
Cook & Gash (2007) found no evidence for this, as working women is now the accepted norm.
Give one feminist perspective on divorce
Jessie Bernard (1976) sees divorce rates as an acceptance of feminist ideas.
Who says most people still get married at some point?
Bernades (1997)
What did Coast say about marriage?
Coast (2006) said 75% of cohabitators say they are going to get married
What did Burgoyne & Clark say about marriage?
Burgoyne & Clark (1984) said cohabitation is not a permenant alternative.
What was Gibson’s perspective on marriage?
Gibson (1994) said there has been increasing individuality. This means people are now free to seek an alternative.
The decline in religion has weakened the belief that binds a couple together.
Who said “same-sex relationships have ‘chosen families’ which are just as stable and secure”
Weeks (1999)
What are some reasons for the increase in divorce rates?
- Less stigma surrounding divorce
- More freedom and choice
- Self-fufilling prophecy - expect to divorce
- Changing position of women
- Changes in law
- Secularisation
What are three changes in law that led to an increase in divorce?
1923 - Women can now file for divorce
1949 - Became cheaper
1971 - Grounds for divorce widened
What is the dual-birden
This is where women perform both the paid work and domestic work.
What did Hoschild say about divorce?
Hoschild (1977) with 2 working people in a relationship, there is less energy available to sort out problems.
Give three trends in marriage
- Marriage is being delayed
- Remarriage is rising
- Marriage rates are falling
What has happened to marriage rates since 1970?
They have halfed
What has happened to the number of religious ceremonies?
In 2017, only 22% of all marriages were religious ceremonies
What are four trends of parents + children?
- Children are being born later
- Women are having fewer children
- Being born more outside of marriage (50%)
- More remaining childless
How much was it predicted in 2004 that one child would cost?
Hirsch (2004) said it would cost £154,000 to raise a child 1-18. Definitely more than this now.
What are some features of same-sex families?
- Still rare in society today (5-7% in 2012)
- Decriminialised in 1967, marriage legalised in 2014
- Most involve two women
What is an LAT?
Living Apart Together (LAT) is where a couple is separated geographically for reasons such as cost, work, family etc. Estimated 2m in 2005.
What % of families are step-families (reconstituted families)
1/3 (33.3%)
What are some reasons for the increase in lone parent families?
- Greater independence of women
- Increased suppport from the welfare state
- Reproductive technology
What is Murray’s view on step families?
Murray thinks the increase in lone parents is due to an ‘overgenerous welfare state’ giving a ‘peverse incentive’ to individuals.
