Historical Development Of The Family - Size And Children

Question 1

Write a note on family size and children during the pre industrial era.
(4)

Answer 1

Families were large, with seven to nine children on average

This occurred as Ireland was strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and contraception was not permitted

Children were seen as an economic asset, as they worked on the family farm or in the family business

Child mortality rate was very high

Question 2

What was the average number of children in families during the pre industrial era?

Answer 2

Seven to nine

Question 3

What were the three reasons for having many children in families during the pre industrial era?
(3)

Answer 3

Contraception was not permitted by the Catholic Church

Children were seen as an economic asset

Child mortality rate was very high

Question 4

Why were children seen as an economic asset during the pre industrial era?

Answer 4

They worked on the family farm or in the family business

Question 5

Write a note on family size and children during the post industrial era.
(2)

Answer 5

Families became smaller, with the average family size in the 1970s falling to four to six children

This occurred due to the availability of contraception and decreased influence of the Catholic Church

Question 6

What was the average amount of children in a family during the post industrial era?

Answer 6

Four to six

Question 7

Why was there a fall in the average number of children per family from the pre industrial era to the post industrial era?
(2)

Answer 7

Contraception became more available

The Catholic Church’s influence decreased

Question 8

Write a note on family size during the modern day.

3

Answer 8

Families are now much smaller with the average number of children per family being 1.4

This is occurring as contraception is now widely available and society is increasing secular

This may also be attributed to the fact that more women are now establishing careers, and childcare costs are high

Question 9

What is the average number of children per family during the modern day?

Answer 9

1.4

Question 10

Why is the number of children per family so low during the modern day?
(4)

Answer 10

Contraception is now widely available

Society is increasingly secular

Women are establishing careers

Childcare costs are high