Changing Patterns

Question 1

Diversity of family structures

Answer 1

~ Structural theorists suggest that a typical family structure exists and that’s this is closely linked to the nuclear family, with biological children.

~ Other theorists have suggested that there has been a growth in family diversity in recent years and that we can no longer say there is a typical family type.

• Married or civil partnership relationships remain the most common family in 2019, representing 2/3 of coupled families in the UK.
• 2.9 million lone parent families in 2019, 14.9% of families in the UK.
• Chester suggests that the extent of diversity has been exaggerated in contemporary society and that more people live in a family that is structured as a couple with children. He also suggests that throughout life, most people will inevitably end up in couples with children (lone parents derive from a couple and may meet a new partner forming another couple).
• Rapoports (1982) diversity has always existed in the organisation diversity, cultural diversity, life-cycle diversity and social class diversity.
• Brannene et al (2000) suggest that the beanpole family was becoming the most dominant form of family. People are living for longer and parents are becoming increasingly more involved in their adult-children’s lives with financial and practical support. Families are having less children creating a ‘beanpole’ family tree rather than a pyramid.
• Theoretical approaches such as new right have shown preference for traditional values and this has been demonstrated in state policy. Feminists support the greater diversity of family and suggest that divorce provides women with greater choice and control over their lives. Postmodern and personal life perspectives both explain that families are social constructs of the individuals choosing and are therefore diverse.

Conclusions:

~ ONS data supports Chester’s view that most families fit into the traditional structure.

~ Greater diversity over recent years and rise of lone parent households cannot be discounted, greater choice over personal lives.

~ Life cycle suggests we will be apart of a range of family structures over the duration of our lives and there may be a typical family type for each life stage.