Changing Patterns Of Family Life : Diversity Of Family Structures

Question 1

What do some structural theorists typically suggest ?

Answer 1

That there is a typical family structure that is clearly linked with the nuclear family

Question 2

What do other structural theorists suggest ? (Increased family diversity )

Answer 2

I’m recent years there has been an increase in family diversity that in recent years we can no longer say there is one typical family type

Question 3

What remains the most common family type ?

Answer 3

Married or civil partner couples

Question 4

What does Robert Chester say about family diversity ?

Answer 4

Chester believes that the extent of diversity has been vastly exaggerated and that many people still live in a family that is structured into a couple with children

Question 5

What does rappoports believe about diversity ?

Answer 5

Diversity has always existed because families vary on a number of grounds

Question 6

What are the 5 main grounds of which families vary ?

Answer 6

1. Organisational
2. Cultural
3. Life - cycle
4. Social class
5. Cohort or generational

Question 7

What are the theoretical approaches to diversity ? ( new right , feminist , postmodern and personal life )

Answer 7

New right - have shown preference for traditional values
Feminists - support the greater diversity of family types
Post modern and personal life - family structures are social constructs of the individuals choosing

Question 8

What is the life cycle approach ?

Answer 8

It states that we live in many different families over our lifetimes

Question 9

What supports Chester’s claims ?

Answer 9

ONS data shows that most people live in a traditional family structure

Question 10

Where can we see greater diversity over recent years as well ?

Answer 10

High levels of lone person and parent households