Changing patterns of family life

Question 1

Outline 3 reasons why less people are being married

Answer 1

• Changing societal attitudes: there is less pressure on couples marrying today because it is seen as just a piece of paper, rather they cohabit instead; according to post modernists this is because of growing individualism and people having greater freedom of choice.
• Secularisation: which refers to the rapid decline of religious influence over the past century; Traditional religious beliefs such as sexual intercourse being a sin have less impact on society, only 25% of marriages including a religious ceremony, illustrating the..
• Fear of divorce: A study conducted by a university showed that 42% of all marriages end in a divorce; Post modernist beck argues that we live in a risk society, where marriage is no longer seen as a permanent commitment but rather based on confluent love

Question 2

Outline 3 reasons why more couples choose to cohabit

Answer 2

• Changing role of women: being more successful in education, this has started to reflect in the job market and thus women are likely to pursue their career instead of taking on the responsibilities of a housewife
• Growing secularisation: sex outside of marriage is becoming less impactful
• FOD: PM Beck –> risk society –> confluent love

Question 3

Outline 3 sociological explanations for a rising divorce rate

Answer 3

• Changes in the law: altercation within the law has made the process of divorce much easier, cheaper and has given equal rights too both parties; one example of this is the divorce reform act 1969 which had doubled the rate of divorce. However, family law act 1996 –> can’t divorce until 18 months
• Secularisation: which refers to the rapid decline of religious influence over the past century; Traditional religious beliefs such as divorce being a sin have less impact on society, only 25% of marriages including a religious ceremony, illustrating the..
• Changes in position of women: they no longer have to stay in unhappy relationships for financial reasons

Question 4

What is the consequence of rising divorce rates on family structure

Answer 4

• More single parent families
• More reconstituted families (step)
• More one person households