Postmodernism And The Family

Question 1

They have 3 features in common what are they?

Answer 1

1. They are structural theories- see modern society as having a clear cut structure.
2. See the nuclear family as fitting this structure and performing important functions for it.
3. Means we can generalise about type of family in modern society.

Question 2

Postmodernists disagree. Argue that?

Answer 2

From the 20th century society began to move into a postmodern phase new type of society.

Question 3

This postmodern phase has two key features, what are they?

Answer 3

1. Fragmentation of cultures and lifestyles.

2. Rapid change.

Question 4

What is fragmentation of cultures of lifestyle?

Answer 4

Individuals now have more choice, are freer to construct their lifestyles as they wish. More a collection of different subcultures.

Question 5

What is rapid change?

Answer 5

Rapid change has made life less predictable and orderly. Family has become less stable but more choice about intimate relationships. This has created a greater family diversity.

Question 6

What does this postmodern phase mean?

Answer 6

No longer possible to generalise about family life like modern sociologists have done.

Question 7

Marxism and Functionalism are what type of theories?

Answer 7

Modernist theories