Family Diversity Flashcards
What perspectives are modernist?
Functionalism and the new right
What does Talcott Parsons talk about fit?
There is a functional fit between the nuclear family and modern society.
What do functionalists think about family diversity?
We can generalise about the type of family we find in modern society, the nuclear family
Other family types can be considered as dysfunctional, abnormal or even deviant because they are less able to perform the functions required of the family
What do new right think about family diversity?
They are firmly opposed to family diversity. There is only one correct family type
This family and division of labour is natural and based on biological differences
The decline in nuclear family is the cause of many social problems.
Couples are more stable when they are married
A return to traditional values can prevent social disintegration
How has the New Right been criticised?
Ann Oakley argues cross cultural studies show that roles are not biological
A nuclear family is patriarchal
No evidence that children in lone parent families become delinquents
What does Chester argue?
There has been increased diversity but it is not negative or significant. The only important change is the move from trad nuclear family to new conventional family
Dual earner family
Nuclear family still remains the ideal we aspire to
How does Chester show evidence that little has changed?
Most people live in a household headed by a married couple
Most adults marry
Most marriages continue until death
Cohabitation is usually a phase before marriage
The importance of family diversity has been exaggerated
What do the Rapoports argue?
Family diversity is of central importance in understanding family life today. We have moved away from the trad nuclear family. Britain is a pluralistic society
It is a positive response to different peoples needs and wishes
What five types of family diversity to the Rapoports identify?
Organisational diversity- eg different roles, dual earner, joint conjugal Cultural diversity- different cultures, ethnicities, religions etc have different family structures Social class diversity- the result of income differences between households Life stage diversity- family structures differ with age Generational diversity- different ages have different attitudes and experiences
What do postmodernists argue about family diversity?
No longer live in a predictable, ordinary, modern society. We live in a new, chaotic postmodern stage
Family structures have been fragmented into many different types and now have much more choice
What does Stacey argue?
Greater freedom and choice has benefited women. Women have been the main agents of changes in the family
Eg divorce extended family
A family is simply what people choose to call a family
What does beck and giddens individualisation thesis argue?
Traditional social structures such as class, gender and family have lost their influence over us. In the past people lives were defined by fixed roles that prevented them from choosing their life course. Today people have fewer certainties or fixed roles to follow.
We have to become freed from trad roles and structures.
Why has their been a transformation of choice (individualisation thesis)
Contraception has allowed sex rather than reproduction as the main reason for relationships
Women have gained independence
Therefore, the basis of the family has changed. Couples are free to define their relationships themselves
What holds relationships together nowadays according to Giddens?
Pure relationship. Exists solely to satisfy partners needs.
How are same sex couples pioneers for Giddens?
Leading the way towards new family types and creating more democratic and equal relationships. They are not influenced by tradition so they create relationships for love not duty.
What is a risk society according to Beck?
Tradition has less influence and there is more choice. As a result we are more aware of risks. Making choices involves calculating the risks and rewards
This contrasts with the past
What is the negotiated family according to Beck and Giddens?
They do not conform to the trad family norm but vary according to the wishes and expectations of member.
This is more equal but less stable because one can walk out if unsatisfied
What is the zombie family according to Beck?
It appears to be alive, but in reality it is dead. People want it to be a haven of security buy today’s family cannot provide this because of its own instability
How is the individualisation thesis criticised?
Exaggerates how much choice people have . Traditional norms have not weakened as much as they say
Ignores the fact that our decisions are made in a social context
Ignores structural inequalities like class
‘An idealised version of a white, middle class man’
What is the connectedness thesis according to Smart?
Alternative to individualisation
Our choices are made within a web of connectedness
We live in a network of existing relationships and interwoven personal histories, and these strongly influence our choices
