FAMILY DIVERSITY Flashcards
What is Parsons functionalist view of family diversity?
Parsons functional fit theory
States that family diversity has increased as there has been shift away from traditional nuclear family, because they can also provide the roles needed
How can you criticise Parsons functionalist view of family diversity?
New Right
Argue the nuclear family is the only family type functional for society
What is the New Right view of family diversity?
The nuclear family is the only natural family type. Other family’s produce social problems, for example, lone parent families lead to dependency culture, generous welfare benefits has encouraged decent family types and members
How can we criticise the New Right perspective of family diversity?
No evidence that children in lone parent households are more likely to be delinquent
Feminist Ann Oakley: New Right wrongly assumes that husbands and wives roles are fixes on biology
According to New Right, why are lone parents not desirable?
Lone mothers can’t discipline their children
Boys are left without a role model
More likely to be poor
What is Rapport and Rapports view of family diversity?
Believe we have moved away from the nuclear family into a range of different types- they take a positive approach
What are the different five different types of families according to Rapport and Rapport?
Organisational diversity: how they’re organised, wages
Cultural diversity: religious, ethnic groups
Social class diversity: income differences
Life stage diversity: stage of the life cycle, newlyweds, couples with dependant children
Generational diversity: older couples have different opinions
What does Giddens say about family diversity?
Argues that there is greater choice and equality in relationships, contraception and independence is now an option, creating ‘pure relationships’, existing to satisfy the partners needs
What does Beck say about family diversity
Argues family is no longer based on tradition, people have more choice
For example in the past people were expected to marry and stay married
According to Beck how has the patriarchal society been undermined?
Greater gender equality: women now expect equality
Greater individualism: actions are influenced by self interest
How does the personal life perspective criticise Giddens and Beck?
Carol Smart
Disagree with the idea of individualistion and instead promote connectedness thesis
Personal history and existing relationships effect our choices
