Postmodernism

Question 1

Morgan

Answer 1

Families are no longer fixed structures; they are what we choose to do. Takes a life course approach, letting individuals choose their families. We cannot generalise the experiences of the family

Question 2

Stacey

Answer 2

In a postmodern society women can escape the patriarchal marriage and create families that meet their needs, for example, a divorce-extended family where women keep relationships with their ex-partner’s family

Question 3

Beck

Answer 3

Individualisation thesis: In a late modern society we are increasingly individualised, focusing on our own needs rather than feeling obligated towards others. There has been an increase in the negotiated family, where we shape families ourselves to fit our needs

Question 4

Giddens

Answer 4

Relationships are less stable, as we can shape them to our own needs. There is a rise in “pure relationships” which are focused only on the individual’s need for love and attention. Relationships are now focused on confluent love

Question 5

Rapaports

Answer 5

We have moved away from the traditional family and there are five types of diversity - Cultural, Life stage, Organisational, Generational and Social class

Question 6

Ballard

Answer 6

Studied Asian families and found that they tend to be more extended and are patriarchal

Question 7

Barrow

Answer 7

Black families are more likely to be lone parent. This could be because black cultures tend to place more value on the freedom and independence of women

Question 8

Chester

Answer 8

The amount of diversity has been exaggerated, but we do have the neo-conventional family which is where the nuclear structure is in place, but the couple are dual-earners. Also, he says that diverse family types often don’t stay that way for long, e.g. lone parents often aspire to remarry. This is shown through the increased rate of remarriages

Question 9

Weeks

Answer 9

Sexual morality is a choice. Due to changing attitudes since the 1950’s, there has been a greater acceptance of sexual and family diversity. Attitudes in postmodernity have become more accepting of cohabitation and homosexuality

Question 10

Smart

Answer 10

Connectedness thesis: Rather than seeing individuals as having limitless choices, Smart argues that we are fundamentally social beings whose choices are always within a web of connectedness - we are influenced by existing relationships and histories. For example, parents who separate remain connected by their children, often against their wishes. Also emphasises the role of class and gender structures