Family Diversity

Question 1

Which perspectives have seen described as modernist?

Answer 1

Functionalist and New right

Question 2

What is the functionalist view of the nuclear family?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is the New right View of the nuclear family?

Answer 3

-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

Question 4

According to Benson, what is the reason for the increase in lone parent families

Answer 4

Collapse of cohabiting couples
-Benson argues cohabiting couples have a higher rate of family breakdown in first 3 years of childs life
-breakups (cohab couples) more likely than divorce (married)
-Marriage more stable due to deliberate commitment

Question 5

What does Benson believe the government should do to reduce lone parent hosueholds

Answer 5

Return us to traditional values e.g marriage by passing policies that encourage marriage

Question 6

How can the New Right view of the family be criticised?

Answer 6

-Oakley argues NR assumes marital roles fixed in biology, but there are cross-cultural differences in roles
-Feminists say NF is based on oppression of women
-No evidence children of LPF more likely to be delinquents

Question 7

What is Chesters view on family diversity

Answer 7

more neo-conventional families (Dual earner)
BUT
-NF still ideal
-most of those who are in lone person households were once or will be in NF (widows,divorcees, young singles)
- statistics on Family diversity is misleading (only shows on time frame)

Question 8

What evidence has Chester provided that little has changed in terms of diversity

Answer 8

-Most people in a household headed by a married couple
-Most children reared by 2 natural parents
-Cohab increased but is a temporary phase

Question 9

According to the Rapoports, what are the 5 types of family diversity?

Answer 9

Organisational- way family roles are organised
Cultural-Different cultures mean different
Social class diversity- differences in family structures due to income
Life stage diversity- Family structures differ due to stage of life cycle
generational diversity- different generations have different attitudes that reflect family structure

Question 10

What is the general postmodern view of family structure

Answer 10

-no longer on single, dominant family structure as there is more individual choice/freedom
-However,This increase in choice can lead to instability

Question 11

What is Staceys view of family diversity?

Answer 11

Used life history interviews
-freedom and choice benefited women
-Women created new types of families that benefited their needs e.g divorce-extended family

Question 12

What is the divorce extended family

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What is the indivdualisation thesis?

Answer 13

Giddens and Beck
-we are less embedded from traditional roles as social structures (CAGED) have less influence
-so we choose how to live our own lives

Question 14

How has choice and equality transormed the family/marriage, according to Giddens

Answer 14

Contraception means sex/intimacy is the basis of relationships, not reproduction
-Feminism and work/education oppurtunities mean women have more independence

Question 15

According to Giddens, what is the pure relationship

Answer 15

-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

Question 16

Why does Gidden see same sex couples as pioneers?

Answer 16

Create more democratic and equal relationships by showcasing relationships based on choice
-create more family diversity
-

Question 17

What is the negotiated family?

Answer 17

Beck- argues that families now are based on negotiated wishes/expectations of the members
-However, it is less stable as indivduals can leave at any time if needs not met = more LPF, LPH

Question 18

Why does Beck describe the family as a zombie category?

Answer 18

family is unstable so cannot provide security
Thus is a zombie as it appears to be alive but is dead

Question 19

How does PLP criticise the individualisation thesis?

Answer 19

-Exaggerates choice in choosing relationships, traditional norms still a factor
-Ignores structural factors in limiting our relationship choices e.g class/ ethnicity
-May argues the view is an ‘idealised version of a white m/c man’ not everyone is that privelleged

Question 20

What is the connectedness thesis?

Answer 20

Proposed by PLP
-alternative to Individualisation thesis
-Our choices are not made in isolation, it is based relationships with others
e.g divorced couples in contact for children or remaining in relationship because of responsibilites e.g kids