Changing Patterns Of Family Life : Reconstituted Families

Question 1

What are reconstituted families ?

Answer 1

Families comprised of two partners but the biological children are only one partners real children

Question 2

What are the reasons for the rise in reconstituted families ?

Answer 2

1. Increased divorce
2. Changing attitudes to relationships
3. Changing attitudes to social institutions
4. Increased life expectancy

Question 3

How have increased levels of divorce increased the numbers of reconstituted families ?

Answer 3

Divorce has meant many families are left with two lone parents who remarry

Question 4

How have changing attitudes to relationships increased the number of reconstituted families ? ( 2 points )

Answer 4

1. Movement of life long relationships to serial monogamy

2. Ending of one relationship has a high likelihood of creating new relationships

Question 5

How have changing attitudes to social institutions increased reconstituted families ?

Answer 5

Reduced stigma to divorce and remarriage as society becomes more secular in nature

Question 6

How has increased life expectancy increased reconstituted families ?

Answer 6

People are more likely to leave a relationship that makes them unhappy

Question 7

What are the consequences of reconstituted families ? ( main point + 4 points )

Answer 7

Conflict within the family

1. Access to children
2. Financial arrangements
3. Conflict between children and non biological parent
4. Relationship with step siblings and extended family