FAMILY 15 MARK WRITERS AND STATS

Question 1

Cohabitation statistic?

Answer 1

cohabitation has doubled since the 1996. 6.5% to 11.7% in 2012

Question 2

Reconstituted statistic?

Answer 2

has risen to over 10%, from 6% in 1996

Question 3

Lone parent statistic?

Answer 3

lone parent rates have tripled since the 70’s

Question 4

Divorce statistic?

Answer 4

Divorce has tripled since the 70’s

Question 5

Giddens

Answer 5

legal changes reflect changes in society, especially changes in attitudes to do with divorce, no stigma attached etc. Social expectations about marriage have changed - confluent love. This from of love focusses on intimacy, closeness and emotion. This forms the basis of a relationship rather than duty or obligation.

Question 6

Allan and Crow

Answer 6

the focus of marriage is now on the relationship and on high expectation of fulfilment and happiness. If these expectations are not reached, the couple may decide to end the marriage and try again with a different partner.

Question 7

Gibson

Answer 7

As fewer people follow a religion, there is less opposition to divorce. Gibson argues that marriage has become less of a sacred, spiritual union and more of a personal and practical commitment which can be abandoned if it fails. 60% of marriages today no longer involve a religious ceremony.

Question 8

Wilkinson

Answer 8

women’s attitudes have undergone a genderquake. Educational opportunities and the feminisation of the economy have resulted in women becoming more financially independent.

Question 9

Changes in legislation, dates?

Answer 9

The Divorce Reform Act - 1969
The Matrimonial Family Proceedings Act 1984
The Family Law Act 1996. Allowed divorce to happen even when there was no evidence that the marriage had broken down.
The Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 - absent parents had to pay maintenance costs for their child

Question 10

Brannen

Answer 10

BEANPOLE FAMILIES. contemporary families are characterised by a certain type of vertically extended family; beanpole families. There are strong intergenerational ties(ties between different generations. And weak intragenerational ties (ties between family members of the same generation.

Question 11

What are strong intergenerational ties?

Answer 11

People are now living longer and are more physically fit so children have more opportunity to see grandparents, limited state support for elderly therefore they are more dependant on family.
Larger number of dual earner families - both parents work so grandparents are needed to look after children,
Single parent families - single parents rely on family for support.

Question 12

What are weak intragenerational ties?

Answer 12

Higher divorce rate - less contact with extended family when partners split.
Greater geographical mobility - people are now living further away from family, will have less contact.
Smaller family size and reduced fertility rates - people have fewer siblings to build relationships with.

Question 13

Jenks

Answer 13

Parenting has become more child centred. Development of a postmodern childhood- family life is insecure with frequent divorce. Therefore children have become the final source of primary relationships. Parent and child bond is most important.

Question 14

Postman

Answer 14

the distinction between childhood and adulthood has been eroded in recent years so childhood no longer exists as a distinct stage in life. Disappearance of childhood is due to growth of mass media, children are exposed to sex and violence through the internet.

Question 15

Palmer

Answer 15

Children are being deprived of a traditional childhood and family life. Parents are using technology as an alternative to traditional parenting practices. Parents use tv games and junk food to keep children quiet.

Question 16

Chester

Answer 16

The neo conventional family. The nuclear family is still dominant. Most people still get married, most children are raised by natural parents.