Changing Family Patterns Flashcards
State a reason why there are changing patterns of divorce.
- changes in law included the Divorce Reform Act 1969 , The divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.
How did changes in law lead to divorce?
When the grounds were equalised for men and women, this was followed by a sharp rise in the number of divorce petitions for women.
- when the legislation was passed that you have the legal right to divorce, people felt they had more freedom in their relationships which also lead to an increase in divorce.
State another reason why there are changing patterns of divorce.
- declining stigma and changing attitudes.
How did declining stigma and changing attitudes lead to divorce.
- divorce has been stigmatised. Churches often condemn divorce but as stigma declines divorce becomes more socially acceptable.
State another reason why there are changing patterns of divorce.
- secularisation which refers to the decline in the influence of religion in society.
Explain how secularisation leads to divorce.
- the traditional opposition of the churches to divorce carries less weight in society and people are less likely to be influenced by religious teachings.
State another reason why there are changing patterns of divorce.
- rising expectations of marriage.
Explain how the rising expectations of marriage leads to divorce.
- marriage is increasingly viewed as a binding contract but as a relationship which seeks personal fulfilment. This encourages couples to divorce if they don’t find this .
State another reason why there are changing patterns of divorce.
- Women’s increased financial independence.
Explain how women’s increased financial independence leads to divorce.
- improvements in their economic position have made them less financially dependant on their husband therefor free to end an unsatisfactory marriage.
What did Giddens argue?
Giddens suggests that family structures are becoming more diverse, with an increasing number of people opting for alternative family forms, such as cohabitation, single-parent families, and same-sex relationships.
What did Beck argue?
The nuclear family has weakened and been replaced by more fluid, diverse family structures as individuals focus more on personal success and freedom, leading to the breakdown of traditional family roles.
“Risk Society”, focuses on how the modern family is shaped by a globalized and individualized society.
What did Mitchell argue?
-changing roles of women within the family
-increased participation in the workforce and greater control over reproductive choices due to the introduction of contraception and legal reforms.
-led to greater gender equality within relationships, transforming family structures and expectations.
What did Fletcher argure (functionlist)?
-arguing that social policies and changes in the welfare state had generally benefited families.
-However, he also acknowledged that family structures have changed in response to evolving social expectations and increased state support.
- family diversity had increased due to greater social mobility and changes in gender roles.
What did Allan and Crow argue?
- family roles had become less fixed since the 1960s, as traditional expectations of gender roles have been challenged.
- emphasized that the family is increasingly becoming negotiated rather than prescribed, reflecting changing attitudes towards parenting, household responsibilities, and marriage.
- traditional family model is being replaced by varied family forms, such as single-parent families, same-sex partnerships, and blended families.
What did Murray argue?
- the welfare state has encouraged the growth of single-parent families by offering financial support to those outside of the traditional nuclear family. He believed that these family structures contributed to the creation of an underclass and an increase in social problems.
-highly critical of the increasing prevalence of single-parent families and family diversity, arguing that this undermines traditional family values and social stability.
What did Weeks et al argue?
-argued that family diversity should be celebrated, as it reflects a society that is more tolerant and accepting of different ways of living.
-socially constructed and are not defined by rigid norms or rules. He highlighted how family life has become increasingly diverse and fluid, with a growing acceptance of different family structures and relationships beyond marriage.
