Changing Family Patterns

Question 1

The Extended Family

Answer 1

Functionalists= extended family has been replaced by nuclear, it has declined but is not disappearing
Willmott= exists as a ‘disperse extended family’ so geographically separated by maintain contact (eg: phone calls, visits etc)

Evaluation:
it survives as it performs important functions for society
Bell= in Swansea, M/C and W/C families still rely on family for support

Question 2

The Beanpole Family

Answer 2

Bell= a type of extended family, extended vertically not horizontally due to increased life expectancy so more grandparents and fewer siblings
Gives emotional and practical support but different to Parson’s definition where they lived and worked together

Question 3

Ethnic Differences

Answer 3

Immigration since 1950s causes more diversity
(1) Black Families
have higher percentage of lone parent households (2012= 1/2 of families) due to disorganisation (dates back to slavery where children would stay with mothers and high unemployment among men)
Mirza= not due to this, rather a higher value placed on independence

 (2) Asian Families Banglideshi, Pakistani and Indian families are largest ethnic group (up to 3 generations in one household due to higher value placed) Ballard= extended families were important for support during 1950s and 60s. However, later, most Asian families are nuclear and families live nearby (not together)

Question 4

Parents and Children

Answer 4

(1) Childrearing
47% of all children are born outside marriage due to decreased stigma, and increased cohabitation, and women having children later in life (more career options)

(2) Lone Parent Families
1/4 children are in this household, due to increased divorce rates and people not marrying at all, decreased stigma. 90% are headed by a female (they have expressive role) as courts are more likely to give children to women. LPF are more likely to be in poverty.
Murray= this is the result of an overgenerous welfare state providing benefits (‘perverse incentives’ (rewarding bad behaviour) creating a dependency culture)
Evaluation: benefits are not generous and given due to unemployment or low income

(3) Stepfamilies
10% of all families due to higher LPF and increased divorce rates.
Ferri and Smith= stepfamilies are at greater risk of poverty due to (often) more children to provide for/ fathers supporting children from previous relationship(s)

Question 5

Partnerships

Answer 5

(1) Marriage
1)Fall in 1st marriages= changing attitudes, changes to women’s positions, fear of divorce
2)Increase in remarriages= 2012= 1/3 of all marriages
3)Marrying later= cohabitating for longer, postponing for education
4)Decline in church weddings= refusing divorcees, few see relevance

(2) Cohabitation
decline in stigma, increased career opportunities, accepted by younger generations as journey to marriage or a permanent alternative
Shelton and John= women who cohabitate do less housework

(3) Same Sex Relationships
Stonewall= 5-7% of adult population due to increased social accepted policies- treated equally (eg: 2002 gave equal adoption rights)

(4) One person households
increased divorce and separation and decreased marriage
Duncan and Phillips= 1/10 adults are ‘living apart together’ (classified as single)
BUT this can be affected by choice and restriction (eg: may not want to or can afford to get a new house)

Question 6

Divorce

Answer 6

Rising since 1960s, but fell in 2010. fewer marriages

(1) Changes in Law: 19th century= difficult to obtain but changes made it easier

(2) Declining Stigma and change in attitudes: since 1960s= socially acceptable, now viewed as misfortunate rather than shameful

(3) Secularisation: less religious influences, so less likely to follow it. (EVALUATION churches also have a softer view)

(4) Rising expectations: (a functionalist view) Fletcher= couples are less willing to live in unhappy marriages (seek love, personal fulfilment)

(5) Women’s financial independence: (a feminist view) less dependent on men as more likely to be in paid work (break from oppression)

(6) Modernity and Individualisation: (a postmodern view) Beck and Giddens: modern society has had a loss of traditional norms so free to seek individual interests

New Right View: undesirable, undermines marriage, created welfare dependent state (a burden)

Personal Life Perspective: Smart= more acceptance and adapted to family life