family diversity and changing family patterns (f+h)

Question 1

Explains Chester’s life cycle

Answer 1

1. everyone is born into a nuclear family
2. they then breakaway and move out and become a singleton
3. they find love with someone of the opposite gender and get married
4. they then have there own kids and become a nuclear family
5. your kids leave and you become an empty nest family.

Question 2

Functionalists are against Chester’s theory why

Answer 2

Chester acknowledges other family types not just nuclear which is what functionalists support.
Chester sees both husband and wife as instrumental.

Question 3

What do the Rapoports believe

Answer 3

In 1982 they argue that diversity is the central importance in understanding family life today. They believe family’s have moved away from traditional roles and that there are 5 types of family diversity.

Question 4

What are the 5 types of family diversity according to the Rapoports

Answer 4

Cultural Diversity- different cultures, religons and ethnic groups have different family structures e.g. Asian families have a higher proportion of extended family
Life Course Analysis- life cycle can be impacted by education, kids, jobs, moving etc.
Organisational Diversity- Family roles are organised differently, some may share roles (conjugal) other may do biologically roles (instrumental and expressive).
Generational Diversity- Older and younger generations have attitudes
Social Class Diversity- working class: both parents working, female child and mum expected to do house work. Middle class: can afford for a parent to stay at home, private education, organised activities.

Question 5

What are the main causes of family diversity

Answer 5

Changes in law
Changes in beliefs/attitudes
Changes in women’s roles
Secularisation
Globalisation
Economic

Question 6

Reasons for changing patterns of marriage

Answer 6

Divorce rates are high, people scared of divorce
Secularisation
Changes in women’s positions- women are busy, don’t rely on men
Changes in attitutudes to women
Age of marriage increasing
Reduced functions of the family
Declining stigma e.g. cohabitation

Question 7

What is cohabitation

Answer 7

the state of living together and in a sexual relationship without being married

Question 8

Why is cohabitation increasing

Answer 8

Secularisation
Increased career opportunities for women, less finical need
Young people more likely to accept cohabitation
Decline in stigma attached to sex before marriage

Question 9

What is the New Rights opinion on increase to cohabitation and decline in marriage

Answer 9

Against cohabitation as it doesn’t support the nuclear family they belive the nuclear family is more stable
An increase in lone parents family’s will be more common, perceived incentives

Question 10

What are feminists opinions on increase in cohabitation and a decline in marriage

Answer 10

For cohabitation as the women has more choice
Women aren’t oppressed by marriage
Women no longer finically depend in men

Question 11

What was theorist Levins study

Answer 11

Living Together Apart (LATs) is a new family form.
2004
His research began by observing in Scandinavia that many were in relationships but have their own separate homes. This trend is spreading across many parts of Europe

Question 12

Why are couples LATs

Answer 12

moving towards less formal realtionships
personal space
individual responsibilities
personal ownership