Changing Family Patterns Flashcards
Why have marriage and divorce rates changed?
(Feminists)
- There is more equality between men and women.
- The demands of modern living ( e.g women working) puts more pressure on couples.
- Women feel valued at work and don’t get the same appreciation at home.
- Women bear the duel burden of working and domestic labour.
- Argue marriage remains patriarchal.
What is the impact of increasing divorce rates on the family?
- Children spend more time with one parent, so may only have a role model in one parent, rather than both.
- Increases the number of reconstituted and single-parent families.
- More need for housing.
Why are cohabitation rates increasing?
- Stigma
There is more acceptance of sex out of marriage. - Secularisation
Young people with no religion are more likely to cohabit. - Career Opportunities for Women
Women have less need for the financial security marriage brings. - Cost of Marriage
- Changing Attitudes
- Divorce Rising
Many couples fear the repercussions of divorce and have high expectations of relationships.
How has divorce rates changed?
- Increased since 1960
- Peaked in 1993
- 40% of all marriages end in divorce
How has divorce rates changed?
(Stigma)
Divorce was heavily stigmatised in the past, hence why churches tended to condemn divorce and refused to conduct services involving divorcees. However, due to the declining stigma surrounding divorce, it has become more socially acceptable and couples are more willing to resort to divorce.
How has divorce rates changed?
(Secularisation)
Religious institutions and ideas are losing their influence and society is becoming more secular. This means that the traditional opposition of churches to divorce carries less weight, so people are less likely to be influenced by religious teachings. As a result, many churches have begun to soften their views on divorce for fear of losing credibility with the public.
How has divorce rates changed and why?
Changes in the law (e.g equalising and widening the grounds, making divorce cheaper) have made divorce easier, and divorce rates have risen with each change in the law. However, couples can still choose other ways of splitting up ( legal separation, empty-shell marriage), though these have become less popular since making divorce easier.
What has contributed to same-sex relationships becoming more visible?
- Legal Changes
Male homosexual acts decriminalised in 1967, age of consent equalised in 2000, civil partnership act in 2004, equal marriage act in 2013. - Changing Attitudes
There is more tolerance to homosexuality. - Stigma
There is now greater support of ‘quasi’ marriages, so homosexuals create their own personalised family based on kinship that offers the same security as heterosexual families. - Social Policy
- Legal Factors
Previously, same-sex couples had to negotiate their commitment more than a heterosexual couple.
How has childbearing changed?
- Nearly half of all children are born outside of marriage
- Women are having children later
- Women are having fewer children than in the 20th century
- Most women are remaining childless
What are the reasons for changes in childbearing?
- Decrease in stigma and increase in cohabitation
- Women have more choices than just motherhood
How have lone-parent families changed?
Until the 1990s, divorced women were the biggest group who headed lone- parent families. However, since then, single women have become the biggest group.
What are the reasons for changes in lone-parent families?
- Increase in divorce and separation
- Decrease in stigma
- Increase in births outside of marriage
Female-headed for several reasons:
1. Widespread belief that women are by nature suited to a nurturing role.
2. Divorce courts usually give custody to the mother.
3. Men may be less willing to give up work to care for children.
4. They are single by choice.
How have step-families changed?
In 85% of step-families, at least one child is from the woman’s previous relationship, compared to just 11% for children from men’s previous relationships. In 4%, there are children from both previous relationships.
Step families are also at a greater risk of poverty.
What are the reasons for changes in step-families?
- There are more children from the mother because children are more likely to stay with their mother after separation.
- Poverty is more likely because stepfather often has to provide for children from previous relationships.
What impact does changing family patterns have on men?
- More living on their own
- More financial freedom
- More separation from children
- Less legal ramifications for being in a same-sex relationship
What impact does changing family patterns have on women?
- In charge of single-parent families more than men (90%)
- Taking more financial strain
- More flexibility and choice not to have children
- Double burden
What impact does changing family patterns have on children?
- Divorced parents create emotional turmoil
- Move around a lot between parents
- More reconstituted/step-family experiences
- New family members
- More stability
- Lack of gendered role models; or parents taking less gendered roles
