Family Diversity

Question 1

What is the New Right view of the family?

Answer 1

=> The nuclear family is the only correct family structure
=> Oppose most change in family patterns like cohabitation, gay marriage and lone parenthood
=> See lone parent families as harmful
=> Lone mothers can’t discipline children properly
=> Lone parent families leave boys without a male role model
=> Lone parent families more likely to be poorer

Question 2

What are criticisms of New Right?

Answer 2

=> Feminists - argue that the traditional family they favour (nuclear) is based on patriarchal oppression
=> No evidence that lone parent families are more likely to raise delinquent children
=> View that marriage equals commitment and cohabitation doesn’t has been challenged

Question 3

What does Stacey argue on Postmodern families?

Answer 3

=> Argues women have more freedom than ever before

=> Discovered many women rejected the traditional housewife role and chose varied life paths

=> Identified the divorce-extended family where people are connected by divorces not marriage

Question 4

What is Giddens and Beck’s individualisation thesis?

Answer 4

=> Argue traditional structures like class and gender have lost influence.

=> In the past, lives were defined by fixed roles that prevented people from choosing life courses

=> Today, society has fewer fixed roles

Question 5

What does Giddens argue has transformed marriage for greater choice?

Answer 5

Contraception allowed sex and intimacy to be the main reason for a relationship, and women have gained independence due to feminism and greater opportunities at work