Family patterns - family structures Flashcards
How many of all families are step families?
10%
How much (%) of step families include at least one child from former family of mothers?
85%
FERRI and SMITH
ound step families are very similar to first families and the involvement of stepparents is a positive one
But can have a greater risk of poverty
EVAL - ALLan and Crow
stepfamilies may face particular problems of divided loyalties and issues such as contact with non - resident parent causing issues
EVAL - McCarthy
→ concluded there is diversity between families so where should speak stepfamilies as plural → some have a few tensions which is similar to that of ‘intact’ families
What ethnic minority group have the highest % of lone parent families?
Black families 51% in comparison to 1/4 populaiton as a whole
What are the explanations of balck ethnic gorup most likely to have lone parent households
→ concluded there is diversity between families so where should speak stepfamilies as plural → some have a few tensions which is similar to that of ‘intact’ families
MIRZA
argues it is not due to the disorganisation buy reflects the high value black women place on independence
REYNOLDS - black lone parent households
argues the stats are misleading many are in stable relationships that ar
Asian families what family structure are they likely to have
larger families containing 3 generations but often nuclear
Why do Asian families often have more people?
- Large households due to low younger age profile → most in child bearing age groups
- The larger households can reflect the Asian cultures / practical consideration
BALLARD → found extended family gave asian migrants support during 50/60s
What does Parsons argue about the extended family?
Replaced by the nuclear family in post modern society
Charles - extended family
tudy of Swansea found that 3 generation family is all bur extinct
Wilmott - extended family
argues it still exists but as a ‘dispersed extended family’ with living apart but close contact
Chamberalin study
caribbean families in Britain found that despite being geographically dispersed they continue to provide support → describes them as several nuclear families with close frequent contact → performs functions still
What is the bean pole family - Brannen?
A particular type of extended family -
BRANNEN describes it as ‘long and thin’
* Extended vertically - through three or more generations
* But is not extended horizontally - no aunts / uncles / cousins
What has caused for the growth in the beanpole family?
- One reason is increased life expectancy - meaning more grandparents are surviving
- Another reason for the increase is smaller family sizes - meaning people have fewer siblings → fewer horizontal ties
What does cheal note about the beanpole family?
- notes that where personal care for an elderly woman is needed it is a daughter / (in law) expected to care for women.
- Since women live longer as a result of the ageing population women have to take on the responsibility as an informal carer. - however need to look at historical
Finch and mason - obligations to relatives
ound over 90% of people had given or received financial help and about ½ cared for a sick relative
- Also found that more is expected of females
- Found reciprocity and balance is important → help should be returned to avoid feelings of indebtedness
