Impacts of policy on family structures

Question 1

How has policy led to increased divorce?

Answer 1

The divorce reform act has lead to an increase in the breakdown of the family unit.

• Increased lone-parent families, lone-person households and more reconstituted families

Question 2

What was the divorce reform act of 1969?

Answer 2

Enabled divorce to become easier for unhappy couples to access - introduced by Labour government.

Question 3

what are direct policies?

Answer 3

Policies that promote or reject certain household structures - e.g. Tax allowances for married couples

Question 4

what are indirect policies?

Answer 4

Policies that may not have intended to impact on household structure but once implemented had an impact - e.g. Equal pay act

Question 5

How has policy led to same-sex families?

Answer 5

1. Decriminalisation of homosexuality, introduction of civil partnerships and same-sex marriage have changed family structures.
2. Changes to legislation to adoption and IVF treatment have led to an increase in same sex families.

Question 6

How has policy lead to increased cohabitation and delayed marriage?

Answer 6

1. Career aspirations of women mean that marriage is delayed as women are focused upon their careers.
2. Availability of contraception and legalisation of abortion means couples can delay having children.
3. Greater geographical movement means people often work apart or decide to travel before setting down.