Family Diversity- Stepfamilies/ Reconstituted Families

Question 1

What are the trends for stepfamilies?

Answer 1

-In 2011, they accounted for 4.5% of all families

Question 2

Why is divorce/ separation a reason for the increase in reconstituted families?

Answer 2

-Responsible as lone parents form new partnerships through a divorce/ separation happening
-Nuclear family continues

-Confusion for children

Question 3

Why are the courts a reason for the increase in reconstituted families?

Answer 3

-Children are more likely to be from a womens past relationship rather than a man’s because the courts are likely to put children with mother
-More single women in society have kids, so when they enter relationships it becomes reconstituted

-Family trauma

Question 4

What are the pros of being in a reconstituted family?

Answer 4

-Ferri and Smith: stepfamilies are very similar to first families e.g involvement of step parents in childcare and childbearing
-Tensions within stepfamilies aren’t very different from ‘intact’ families

Question 5

What are the cons of being in a reconstituted family?

Answer 5

-Ferri and Smith: stepfamilies are at a greater risk of poverty as the stepfather may have to support children from previous relationships
-Allan and Crow: divided loyalties such as contact with non resident parent- inc in tensions- from lack of norms around stepfamilies