Late Modernists Theory Of The Family

Question 1

Giddens: choice and equality

Answer 1

The family and marriage have been transformed by greater choice and a more equal relationship between men and women, relationships are now characterised by three general characterstics: a couple determine the relationship themselves, the typical relationship is the ‘pure relationship’ and couples stay together because of love and happiness, relationshop become part of self discovery

Question 2

Ulrich beck - the risk society and negotiated family

Answer 2

We now live in a risk society where tradition have less influence and people have more choice. As a result we are more aware of risk because having choice means we spend more time calculating the risks and rewards of different causes of actions
The patriarchal family has been undermined by greater gender inequality and greater individualism

Question 3

Personal life perspective : carol smart

Answer 3

Draws attention to a range of other personal relationships that are more importnat to people