family diversity

Question 1

What do functionalists believe about family diversity?

Answer 1

• didn’t necessarily comment on it
• nuclear family was the most natural type of family

Question 2

What do the New Right believe about family diversity?

Answer 2

• strongly against it
• nuclear family is the only family type that can effectively perform its functions
• other types are unnatural and are the cause of social problems

Question 3

What are the Rapoports 5 types of diversity?

Answer 3

• organisational –joint/segregated conjugal roles
• class – differences in child-rearing practices
• generational – attitudes towards cohabitation
• cultural – differences in ethnic family structures
• life cycle – differences in age

Question 4

How do the Rapaports see family diversity?

Answer 4

• central to the family today
• disagree with the New Right and see diversity as beneficial
• diversity exists to meet needs

Question 5

What do Feminists beieve about family diversity?

Answer 5

• Stacey – family diversity has led to greater freedom and choice, which has benefited women
• She found that women have been the main agent of change in the family

Question 6

What do Postmodernists believe about family diversity?

Answer 6

• Giddens – the pure relationship — relationships are no longer defined by law or tradition, they exist only to satisfy each partners needs
• Beck – the negotiated family — needs are subjective to the couple, people are inclined to leave if their needs aren’t met