Family Diversity Flashcards
Robert Chester
The neo-conventional family is common in modern society. It’s a dual earner family. Family diversity has been exaggerated.
Parsons
Functional Fit Theory - says nuclear family is most suited to modern society because it’s geographically and socially mobile
Stacey
Greater freedom and choice in postmodernism have benefitted women by allowing them freedom from patriarchal oppression. Rejected traditional housewife role
Weston
In postmodernism, same sex couples produce supportive families of choice
Smart
Connectedness thesis - we are social beings, so our decisions are made in social context. (Networks are of existing relationships and personal theories)
Venessa May
Criticises individualisation thesis - exaggerates choice, ignores the social context of family life, ignores s/c. Beck and Giddens have an idealised white m/c masculine views
Finch and Mason
Although individuals can negotiate their relationships, family connections and obligations do restrict their freedoms
Rapoports
Diversity is now the norm in terms of family, has occurred due to pluralistic society and is positive. There are 5 types of diversity
David Morgan
Family isn’t a single entity and can’t be generalised. People form diverse family structures and call them families.
Giddens
Individualisation thesis - greater choice leads to more equality. E.g pure relationships in postmodern world - same sex couples are democratic
Beck
Individualisation thesis - people follow a do it yourself path for family life. Traditional patriarchal family leads to negotiated family which meet individual needs so are more equal
Benson
Couples are more stable when they are married (rather than cohabiting). Social policy should promote traditional families
