Changing family patterns

Question 1

Fletcher

Answer 1

People place higher expectations on marriage and this is the cause of high divorce rates

Question 2

Cockett and Tripp

Answer 2

Divorce is becoming more acceptable and normalised

Question 3

Beck

Answer 3

Individualisation thesis: Traditional norms surrounding marriage no longer exist so individuals are free to pursue their own interest. Relationships are more fragile because individuals are unwilling to stay in an unhappy marriage

Question 4

Murray

Answer 4

Sees the growth of lone parent families as a result of over-generous welfare states giving unmarried women benefits, providing a “perverse incentive”

Question 5

Ballard

Answer 5

Extended family ties provided an important source of support among Asian migrants in the 1950’s/60’s

Question 6

Weeks

Answer 6

Increased social acceptance has led to a trend in “chosen families”, offering the same support as heterosexual families

Question 7

Giddens

Answer 7

Confluent love: Love focused on intimacy and emotions. When this is lacking in a relationship people will leave to seek self-fulfillment

Question 8

Chester

Answer 8

Cohabitation is a step towards getting married. Many see it as a “trial marriage”