Modernity vs Postmodernity

Question 1

When did postmodernity begin?

Answer 1

1980s

Question 2

In modern S, what are the 10 stages of the life cycle?

Answer 2

1. Birth
2. Childhood (TNF)
3. Teenager (TNF)
4. Adulthood
5. Heterosexual marriage
6. Live together as married couple
7. Have children (TNF)
8. Empty nest
9. Retirement
10. Death

Question 3

In postmodernity, what is a ‘life cycle’ referred to as?

Answer 3

LIFE COURSE
Includes various points where decisions are made that affect path - turning points in someone’s life
e.g. coming out as gay
Studying these points = vital (known as life course analysis)

Question 4

Was Parsons a Modernist or Postmodernist theorist?

Answer 4

Modernist

Question 5

Briefly describe Parsons work

Answer 5

Functionalist
Nuclear family = suited to meet needs of modern S
Includes geographical, social mobility, P. socialisation + SOAP = contributed overall stability of S
Therefore other fam types = ‘abnormal/ inadequate’

Question 6

Is family diversity +ve or -ve according to Parsons?

Why?

Answer 6

-ve
TNF = only suitable fam type for modern S
2 functions: p. socialisation + SOAP

Question 7

Give an evaluation points for Parsons

Answer 7

1. any fam can fulfil his 2 function in postmodern S

BUT, SPF can’t SOAP

Question 8

Is the New Right a Modern or Postmodern theory?

Answer 8

Modern

Question 9

Briefly describe the view of the New Right

Answer 9

Decline in TNF + growth of fam diversity = cause of social problems
Lone parent = unnatural + harmful
W’s 1st priority should be family
Marriage = essential for creating stable environment to bring up children in

Question 10

Do the New Right view family diversity as a +ve or -ve?

Why?

Answer 10

-ve!
Diversity = more SPF = bad for S
TNF = best; self reliant (no benefits)

Question 11

How would Feminists criticise the New Right?

Answer 11

W perform variety of roles, not just housewife

TNF = patriarchal, cause of gender inequality

Question 12

How does Chester view family diversity?

Answer 12

Recognises that = been an increase
BUT doesn’t see it as +ve/ -ve
Notes only important change = neo-conventional (dual £)

Most households = headed by married couple
Marriages continue until death (divorce but remarry)
Cohabitation = temporary (marriage after)
Births outside of marriage = jointly registered, commitment to child

Question 13

How would Oakley criticise Chester?

Answer 13

Dual Burden

Question 14

How would Duncombe + Marsden criticise Chester?

Answer 14

Triple shift

Question 15

What type of theorists are the Rapoports?

Answer 15

Late Modernists

Question 16

What do the Rapoports say about diversity?

Answer 16

= really important o understanding family life today
We’ve moved away from TNF
Diversity = response to people’s different needs (unlike NR)
ID 5 different types of diversity (CLOGS)

Question 17

What are the 5 different types of diversity ID by the Rapoports?

Answer 17

1. Cultural (diff lifestyles: ethnic/ religious/ national backgrounds)
2. Organisational (variations of fam structure)
3. Social class
4. Life stage (7 stages, fam members @ diff ones)
5. Generational (diff attitudes/ experiences, reflect period which they lived in - Parents value traditional GR)

Question 18

What % of African Caribbean vs White adults married?

Answer 18

39% vs 60%

African Caribbean families = more likely to intermarry (marry someone with diff ethnicity/ cultural background) - children = ‘dual heritage’

Question 19

Give 4 ways in which social class can impact family life
(Rapoports)

Answer 19

1. Quality of life (income)
2. Opportunities (Ed/ career)
3. Family break up (chances of divorce - wc = more)
4. Family structure/ how family = ÷

Question 20

Was Beck a modern or postmodern theorist?

Answer 20

Postmodern

Question 21

Beck (1992)

Answer 21

RISK SOCIETY
Postmodernism = ‘negotiated family’
= no traditional n+v / expectations set by S or it’s structures
Family life varies - members have different expectations, negotiated
BUT fam = less stable + more risky e.g. divorce
People = aware of risk e.g. fear of divorce

Question 22

Does Beck see diversity as a +ve or -ve?

Why?

Answer 22

BOTH
+ve: more freedom + choice
-ve: more risk + more unstable

Question 23

Was Giddens a modern or postmodern theorist?

Answer 23

Postmodern

Question 24

Giddens (1992)

Answer 24

= more choice + equality between M+W because we now have ‘plastic sexuality’ (contraception)
Allows sex + intimacy to be main reason for Rship -> ‘pure Rships’
Not defined by laws/ traditions but exist to meet partners needs e.g same sex couples
= based on confluent love (contemporary love, lasts as long as need = met)
Rships = less stable; once love/ sexual attraction goes, so does Rship.

Question 25

Is diversity +ve / -ve according to Giddens?

Why?

Answer 25

BOTH
+ve: pure Rships = based on love + choice
-ve: Rships = unstable + people often leave/ end them

Question 26

Who does Giddens are the ‘pioneers’ of pre relationships?

Answer 26

Same sex couples

= not bound by traditions or expectations but based on choice, negotiation + equality

Question 27

Give 2 ways which Gidden can be criticised

Answer 27

1. Existence of ‘empty shell’ families - not all Rships = pure, people do stay together even when don’t love each other anymore
2. Connectedness thesis - **

Question 28

Was Stacey (1998) a modernist or postmodernist theorist?
What did Stacey argue about diversity

Answer 28

Postmodern
Diversity = benefitted W; can now escape patriarchy + form more egalitarian roles
Conducted life history INTERVIEWS in California
Found W rejected traditional roles, instead worked/ aimed for promotions/ Ed etc.
Diversity created new fam type: ‘divorce extended’ (connected through divorce)

Question 29

Is diversity +ve / -ve according to Stacey (1998)?

Why?

Answer 29

+ve

More diversity - W have more choice + escape patriarchy