Modernity vs Postmodernity Flashcards
When did postmodernity begin?
1980s
In modern S, what are the 10 stages of the life cycle?
- Birth
- Childhood (TNF)
- Teenager (TNF)
- Adulthood
- Heterosexual marriage
- Live together as married couple
- Have children (TNF)
- Empty nest
- Retirement
- Death
In postmodernity, what is a ‘life cycle’ referred to as?
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)
Was Parsons a Modernist or Postmodernist theorist?
Modernist
Briefly describe Parsons work
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’
Is family diversity +ve or -ve according to Parsons?
Why?
-ve
TNF = only suitable fam type for modern S
2 functions: p. socialisation + SOAP
Give an evaluation points for Parsons
- any fam can fulfil his 2 function in postmodern S
BUT, SPF can’t SOAP
Is the New Right a Modern or Postmodern theory?
Modern
Briefly describe the view of the New Right
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
Do the New Right view family diversity as a +ve or -ve?
Why?
-ve!
Diversity = more SPF = bad for S
TNF = best; self reliant (no benefits)
How would Feminists criticise the New Right?
W perform variety of roles, not just housewife
TNF = patriarchal, cause of gender inequality
How does Chester view family diversity?
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
How would Oakley criticise Chester?
Dual Burden
How would Duncombe + Marsden criticise Chester?
Triple shift
What type of theorists are the Rapoports?
Late Modernists
What do the Rapoports say about diversity?
= 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)
What are the 5 different types of diversity ID by the Rapoports?
- Cultural (diff lifestyles: ethnic/ religious/ national backgrounds)
- Organisational (variations of fam structure)
- Social class
- Life stage (7 stages, fam members @ diff ones)
- Generational (diff attitudes/ experiences, reflect period which they lived in - Parents value traditional GR)
What % of African Caribbean vs White adults married?
39% vs 60%
African Caribbean families = more likely to intermarry (marry someone with diff ethnicity/ cultural background) - children = ‘dual heritage’
Give 4 ways in which social class can impact family life (Rapoports)
- Quality of life (income)
- Opportunities (Ed/ career)
- Family break up (chances of divorce - wc = more)
- Family structure/ how family = ÷
Was Beck a modern or postmodern theorist?
Postmodern
Beck (1992)
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
Does Beck see diversity as a +ve or -ve?
Why?
BOTH
+ve: more freedom + choice
-ve: more risk + more unstable
Was Giddens a modern or postmodern theorist?
Postmodern
Giddens (1992)
= 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.
