Post-modernism and the family

Question 1

Giddens (1992)- Reflexive modernisation

Answer 1

Late modernity: Individuals no longer tied down to traditional norms and values

Reflexivity- Individuals constantly question their life choices and reflect on possible alternatives

Nuclear family- option not a norm other options include single hood,cohabitation, lone parenting etc

Confluent love- Deep emotional intimacy in which partners reveal their needs and concerns to each other

Question 2

Beck and Beck Gernsheim

Answer 2

High modernity- Much less confidence in the world getting better, scepticism (risk)

Risk society: Avoidance of choice (not having children and cohabiting which avoids risk of commitment)

Individualisation- People no longer tied to traditional norms and values

Families are becoming fragmented. people are becoming more overly focused on their own needs. degree of stability and commitment is needed to raise children

Question 3

Bernandes (1997)- The 5 characteristics of postmodern families

Answer 3

Choice- choosing own family type and personal relationship

Freedom- no longer tied to traditional norms

Ambivelence- no longer any certainty on what is right or wrong

Diversity- no longer one single family type

Fluidity- Individuals constantly move in and out of different sets of relationships

Question 4

Stacey (1996)

Answer 4

Pam and Dotty’s postmodern family

Their stories represent democratic opportunity whereby individuals can expand and redefine what families are and create the kind of families that work best for them in their personal circumstances

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

Realistic
Looks at family diversity
Not outdated
Relevant/ applies to contemporary UK
Recognises choice
Does not prioritise one identity (e.g class)
Avoids generalisation
Ignores power

Question 6

Counter view-Chester- The Neo- conventional family

Answer 6

The idea that that the nuclear family continues to exist but has changed as women now work

Family overstated as nuclear families remain the norm

Many families still aspire having a nuclear family
Most children still reared by their 2 natural parents
Most marriages continue until death
Cohabitation a temporary phase before marriage

Statistics= misleading as they are snapshots and people move in and out of relationships

Question 7

Counter view- Gittens- Family ideology

Answer 7

The nuclear family is seen as normal due to the ideology of the nuclear family which defines it as normal and desirable

Question 8

Counter view- Smart- Personal life

Answer 8

Recognises family diversity
Against Beck and Beck as they overstate individualisation and lack of commitment
Now there is newer types of relationships (e.g family like relationships)
We still find ourselves in networks of relationships that fulfil the functions of most traditional families