Postmodernism And The Family Flashcards
What theory is postmodernism
Social action theory
What is postmodernism based on
A view of society and its development through differnt stages: pre modernity, modernity and postmodernists.
What does post modernism think of society
That contemporary society is characterised by diversity and choice
What is pre modernity
Classic extended family Shared emotional and economic support Rural Lots of children- high infant mortality rate Reliegon strong Ascribed status Family unit of production Traditional societies
What is modernity
Industrialisation to 20th century Nuclear family as ppl move for jobs Achieved status Urbanisation Families unit of consumption Scientific revolution decreased religion NHS
What is post modernity
21st century More family diversity Developments of dominance politics Better pay and work conditions Jobs not producing product but giving a service Improvements to technology Improved health care Media- social media Society questions everything
Who was the rapports 1982
Some of first sociologists to consider family diversity believe diversity is of central importance in understanding the family today as we now have a wide range of family types
What were the 5 types of diversity
Organisational diversity Cultural diversity Social class diversity Life stage diversity Generational diversity
What is organisational diversity
There are differences in the roles of family members in different families
What is cultural diversity
Cultural religious and ethnic groups have different family structures and practices
What is social class diversity
Differnt social classes have differences in family structures and child rearing
What is life stage diversity
Differences in family structure based on life cycle
What is generational diversity
Differnt generations have different attitudes and experiences
What do postmodernists argue about social change
Experiences rapid social change and people are no longer constrained by social structures such as family and traditional norms. No longer live In a predictable modern society but a new chaotic postmodern stage where family structures are fragmented
What is the individualisation thesis
Traditional structures have lost influence and we have lost influence and we have freedom to choose how to live our lives to meet our own needs. People choose family types taht suit they’re emotional and social needs. Leads to an increase in ‘mix & match’ relationships
What are mix & match relationships
People shop around for partners and only stay in a relationship when they’re fully satisfied increasing family instability
What was giddens theory of the pure relationship
How the nature of relationships has changed historically and he identified three stages:
The pre modern era
The modern era
The late modern era
What did giddens say the pre modern era is
Marriage was a practical and economic arrangement. E.g. represented joining of two families and for women it secured them with a source of income
What did giddens say is the modern era
‘Romantic love” began to develop which involved idea taht people will be sexually attracted to one another leading to partners being bound together until death as princibiles such as ‘one and only’ and ‘love forever’ promoted. Obligation to stay together and difficulty of divorce many became empty shell marriages
What did giddens say is the late modern era
Relationships no longer bound by norms due to greater equality of the sexed. They exist to satisfy each partners needs. They aim for ‘pure relationship’ based on ‘confluent love’
What is comfluent love
Mutual satisfactipn on both partners then if their needs are not being met they are free to leave
Who is Beck 1992
Late modernist said we live in a ‘risk society’ where we calculate risk and rewards before making choices. Said we have ‘negotiated families’
What did beck say negotiated families are
Partners enter on an equal basis and negotiate to ensure tang the family works because other wise people leave
Who is Stacey 1998
A postmodernist said greater freedom and choice has benefitted women as women now shape family to meet their needs
Who’s smart 2007
‘Personal life’ is more neutral and flexible as goes beyond marriage and kin. Postmodernists sugggest people have different ideas about who counts as family
Strengths of postmodernism
Recognise family diversity
Acknowledges reasons behind family diversity
Acknowledges there should be sexual attracted to each other instead of reproduction for work
Modern theory
Recognises how relationships have changed and what’s involved
Not ethnocentric
Recognised social change
Individuals ahve choices
Helps us understand how people define ‘family’
Weaknesses of postmodernism
Mix and match isn’t as easy as they portray as one finds it harder than the other.
Doesn’t include domestic violence
Doesn’t focus on abstract of family in detail
CHESTER 1985 said family diversity has been exaggerated, family life unchanged l.
Undermines influence of society and norms.
67% families have married couple at basis.
Too much choice creates unreasonable expectations.
Self centred- people do think of others.
Not everyone has same ability to exercise choice
Ignores what’s special about blood and marital relationships
