PostModernism

Question 1

Postmodernist beliefs

Answer 1

No longer possible to understand family through traditional structural theories. Family is product of individual choice so family diversity is central to ideas

Question 2

Lyotard

Answer 2

Reflection of meta narratives about how people should live their lives

Question 3

What is the life course

Answer 3

Where believe we should study how lives evolve and change as people experience personal events/rites of passages rather than studying ‘the family’ as its too simple. Eg key transition in life is puberty

Question 4

What does Stacey say about the family?

Answer 4

‘Diverse, fluid, unresolved’ no set structure is ideal

Question 5

What do postmodernists say about intimate relationships?

Answer 5

They have changed overtime as the concept of love is socially constructed and has diff meaning today. In past relationships fulfilled practical needs eg women’s financial need for husband. Relationships needed for children.

Question 6

Giddens

Answer 6

Intimate relationships are based on CONFLUENT LOVE “spark”. Pure relationships. Without it its likely to end. As fragile couples quickly end relationship if it goes. Practical ties that held marriage together in past no longer important. DUE TO FEMINISM

Question 7

Bauman

Answer 7

Bonds between couples in liquid modernity are fragile. Conflict between desire for individual freedom and need for safety- means bonds have to be loosely tied. Because aware of our fragility may be reluctant to commit. Living in top pocket relationships- halfway committed/single due to individualisation

Question 8

What is individualisation

Answer 8

Decline in traditional ideas and growth of choice.

Question 9

Individualisation in relation to relationships

Answer 9

Don’t have to be in relationship with someone to have children/ can be in relationship and not have children. Choice of personal relationships. Sex is no longer practical activity - now is enjoyable pastime. Leading to diverse relationships

Question 10

Beck-Gernsheim

Answer 10

1. Modern medicine contributed to growing individualisation eg contraception so sexuality and reproduction separated .
2. No longer clear what/who apart of family bc of growth of individualisation. ‘Couples/partnership’ instead of ‘husband/wife’

Question 11

Evaluation

Answer 11

• how much choice do really have for family type
• do you choose to be lone parent
• women still pressured to have kids