Lesson 10 - Postmodernism And The Family

Question 1

Postmodernist belief on family

Answer 1

-we no longer live in a modern society with predictable, orderly structure such as the nuclear family
-no longer one dominant family
-family structures are fragmented
-individuals have more choice of lifestyle, relationships and family
-unable to generalise

Question 2

Pros and cons of postmodern society

Answer 2

Pro - gives individuals greater freedom - choose the family/relationship that meets their needs
Con - greater freedom of choice means a greater risk of instability as relationsihps are more likely to build up

Question 3

Beck - negotiated family

Answer 3

-do not conform to the traditional family norm, but decide what is best for themselves by negotiation, enter relationship on equal basis and free to leave if their needs are not met

Question 4

Stacey - freedom of women through social, tech and economic changes

Answer 4

-many women she interviewed in Silicon Valley, California had rejected the traditional housewife role
-they instead worked, returned to education, divorced and remarried
-they created new types of family that better suited their needs

Question 5

Hareven - life course - freedom of choice causes family diversity

Answer 5

“There is flexibility and variation in people’s family lives - in the choices and decisions they make, and in the timing and sequence of events and turning points in their lives”