Personal life perspective Flashcards
Friends
The Personal Life Perspective challenges the common assumption that friends are “chosen” while family is “given.” It argues that the boundaries between family and friends are not always clear-cut. Some people consider their close friends, or “fictive kin,” to be family, even though they are not biologically related. For example, calling a family friend “aunt” or viewing a close friend as a “sister.” The concept of “families of choice” is also central to this view, where individuals choose who they consider to be family. Additionally, the Personal Life Perspective suggests that family is not a given, but rather something that can be chosen, and kinship bonds can be broken, such as cutting off contact with a family member.
AO2 (Examples):
For instance, someone might call their close friend “aunt” despite no biological relation, or they may consider a group of friends as their chosen family, such as treating a female friend as a “sister.” The idea of the “connectedness thesis” explains how relationships, including friendships, are often influenced by broader social networks, like classmates or people with shared hobbies, making it harder to avoid or leave certain friendships.
Pets
Pets are increasingly seen as family members, with many people treating their pets as individuals. This includes buying pets clothes, toys, and favorite foods, much like we would for a family member. Pets can also strengthen social bonds, bringing people closer together, as people may spend more time with others because they enjoy being around their pets. However, pets can also create distance in relationships; for instance, someone who is allergic to animals might see a relative with a pet less often.
AO2 (Examples):
An example of pets being treated as family members would be buying a pet clothes, toys, and special foods. Pets can also help foster relationships, such as when someone might visit a friend more frequently because they enjoy spending time with their dog. On the flip side, pets can create barriers, like if a family member has allergies, leading to less frequent visits or interaction with the pet-owner.
Evaluation
Family as individuals define it allows for a more personalised view of relationships, moving beyond traditional kinship definitions based on blood, marriage, or adoption. However, the approach is criticised for being too broad, as it risks categorising any meaningful relationship as family, potentially diluting the unique significance of connections based on blood and marriage. This can undermine the special nature of these traditional familial ties.
