Family Diversity Flashcards
Which perspectives have seen described as modernist?
Functionalist and New right
What is the functionalist view of the nuclear family?
Parsons-Believe nuclear family is suited to meeting the needs of society by performing 2 irreducible functions
-Thus is seen in modern society that need geographic and social mobility
-other family types are dysfunctional as cant fully perform functions
What is the New right View of the nuclear family?
-only one correct family type (nuclear)
with clear divison of labour
-This family is the ‘cornerstone of society’
-Other family types lead to societal problems e.g lone parent households= inadequate socialisation +poverty
According to Benson, what is the reason for the increase in lone parent families
Collapse of cohabiting couples
-Benson argues cohabiting couples have a higher rate of family breakdown in first 3 years of childs life
-Marriage more stable due to deliberate commitment
What does Benson believe the government should do to reduce lone parent hosueholds
Return us to traditional values e.g marriage by passing policies that encourage marriage
How can the New Right view of the family be criticised?
-Feminists say NF is based on oppression of women
-No evidence children of LPF more likely to be delinquents
-cohabiting couples more likely to be w/c, poverty could be cause of breakdown not lack of commitment
What is Chesters view on family diversity
creation of neo-conventional family
BUT no real change
-NF still ideal
-most of those who are in lone person households were once or will be in NF (widows,divorcees, young singles)
What evidence has Chester provided that little has changed in terms of diversity
-Most people in a household headed by a married couple
-Most children reared by 2 natural parents
-Cohab increased but is a temporary phase
-Joint registry of children from parents who are not together
According to the Rapoports, what are the 5 types of family diversity?
Organisational- way family roles are organised
Cultural-Different cultures mean differentfamily structures
Social class diversity- differences in family structures due to income (differences in childrearing)
Life stage diversity- Family structures differ due to stage of life cycle
generational diversity- different generations have different attitudes that reflect family structure
What is the general postmodern view of family structure
-no longer on single, dominant family structure as there is more individual choice/freedom due to rapid social change
-However,This increase in choice can lead to instability
What is Staceys view of family diversity?
Used life history interviews
-Women main agents in increasing diversity (by rejecting traditional roles e.g going to work)
-Women created new types of families that benefited their needs e.g divorce-extended family
What is the divorce extended family
Members are connected by divorce rather than KIN
-Pam, from Staceys study formed relationship with woman cohabiting with her ex-husband, providing financial and domestic support
What is the indivdualisation thesis?
Giddens and Beck
-we are disembedded from traditional roles as social structures (Class,Gender,family) have less influence
-so we choose how to live our own lives, which impacts FD
How has choice and equality transormed the family/marriage, according to Giddens
Contraception means sex/intimacy is the basis of relationships, not reproduction
-Feminism and work/education oppurtunities mean women have more independence
According to Giddens, what is the pure relationship
-Indivgiduals stay together to satisfy eachothers needs (sexual,love), not duty/children
-Due to more choice, we can choose when to stay/leave leading to instability
-Creates more LPH
How does Giddens view same sex couples?
Sees them as pioneers; Create more choice-based and equal relationships by showcasing relationships based on choice/ equality
-create more family diversity
What does Beck argue?
Decline in influence or traditions so indiduals have more choice. More choice=more risk
What is the negotiated family? Is it stable?
Beck- families now are based on negotiated wishes/expectations of the members, this has replaced trad patriarchal family
-However, it is less stable as indivduals can leave at any time if needs not met = more LPF, LPH
Why does Beck describe the family as a zombie family?
-In risk society, people want security from unstable world so turn to family
-Family is not the haven of security like it seems, it is also unstable
How does PLP criticise the individualisation thesis?
-Exaggerates choice in choosing relationships, traditional norms still a factor
-Ignores structural factors in limiting our relationship choices e.g class/ ethnicity
-May argues this is because the view is an ‘idealised version of a white m/c man’ not everyone is that privelleged
What is the connectedness thesis?
PLP
-alternative to Individualisation thesis
-We do have more choice but they are made within ‘web of connectedness’
e.g divorced couples in contact for children or remaining in relationship because of responsibilites e.g kids
-relationships thus cannot just ‘end’
What is the Rappaports view on family diversity?
It is very important in understanding families today
-Se it as a positive display of freedom
