Giddens of the family

Question 1

Giddens on the family

Answer 1

• Giddens ideas on personal choice form part of the late modern approach to families and personal lives
• Along with Beck an Bauman, forms the individualisation thesis
• Giddens argued that in the period of late modernity, relationships between individuals were undergoing a period of change

Question 2

Giddens and changes to love

Answer 2

• Giddens saw traditional relationships based upon romantic love - the idealisation of people being fulfilled through falling in love
• This led to the idea that love was forever and relationships were long-lasting - til death us do part
• However, late modernity, conflict within relationships had begun to dilute the impact of romantic love and the idealisation of relationships

Question 3

Plastic Sexuality

Answer 3

• Late modern era was typified by reflexivity - the ability to think and reflect upon one’s own needs and a desire for self-improvement
• Changed our perceptions of relationships - compartmentalisation of aspects of ones life - family was not everything
• Led to plastic sexuality - removed child-bearing from the act of sex - allowed more choices and freedom in partners

Question 4

Confluent Love

Answer 4

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