Changing Patterns Of Family Life : Lone Person Households

Question 1

Reasons for rise in lone person households ( 4 points )

Answer 1

1. Changing attitudes to relationships
2. Individualism in society
3. Increased life expectancy
4. Greater acceptance of alternatives to family

Question 2

How changing attitudes to relationships have increased lone person households ? ( 2 points )

Answer 2

1. People are more flexible with their choice of partners

2. People wait longer to commit to a partner that meets their needs

Question 3

How has greater individualism in society increased lone person households ?

Answer 3

People value career progression more then relationships

Question 4

How has increased life expectancy increased lone person households ? ( 2 points )

Answer 4

1. Increase in the number of divorces because people are living longer
2. Men and women delayed marriage and cohabitation because they are living longer so they start a family in their late 30s

Question 5

How has the greater acceptance of alternatives to family increase lone person households ? ( 2 points )

Answer 5

1. Friends can fulfil functions of the family so families are only necessary at certain times in the lifecycle
2. Reduction of stigma attached to single life career aspirations

Question 6

Impacts of lone person households ( 2 points )

Answer 6

1. Social isolation particularly for older relatives

2. Increased costs of living from divorce