Individualisation thesis Flashcards
who are the key thinkers for the individualisation thesis / late modernity?
Giddens + Beck
What does the individualisation thesis say?
we can choose whatever type of family we want
explore the effects of increasing individual choice upon families + relationships
What does the individualisation thesis argue?
traditional social structures have lost much influence over individuals eg gender, class
in the past, people’s lives were defined by fixed roles that prevented people choosing their own life course eg get married
today there are less fixed roles to follow
we have become freed from roles
What does Beck say about life course?
the ‘standard biography’ (life course) people followed in the past have been replaced by the ‘do-it-yourself biography’ that individuals must construct for themselves
According to Giddens, why has family + marriage been transformed by greater choice?
contraception has allowed sex to become main reason for relationship’s existence rather than reproduction
women have gained independence as a result of feminism + greater opportunities in work and education
What concept does Giddens identify?
Pure relationships
What are pure relationships?
relationships no longer bound by traditional norms
it exists solely to satisfy each partner’s needs
individuals are free to choose to enter + leave relationship when they want
How do pure relationships create instability?
it is a ‘rolling contract’ that can be ended at will by either partner, rather than a permanent commitment
produces greater family diversity by creating more lone parent + step families
What families does Beck identify?
the negotiated family
the zombie family
What is the negotiated family?
enter the relationship on an equal basis
do not conform to traditional family norm , vary according to wishes of their members
less stable than patriarchal family, individuals free to leave if needs not met
What is the zombie family?
family appears to be alive, but in reality is dead
family is unstable so can not provide haven of security
How can the individualisation thesis be criticised?
ignores the fact that our decisions about personal relationships are made within a social context
exaggerates how much choice people have about relationships today. traditional norms that limit people’s relationship choices have not weakened as much as this thesis claims
