Postmodernism + Family Flashcards
How do postmodernists view the nuclear family?
Postmodernists argue that we should look at family as a fluid and changing concept. Therefore, they disagree with theories such as functionalism, which argues that there is one ‘ideal’ or ‘normal’ family type (the nuclear family).
How does postmodernism view Marxist perspectives of the family?
It also disagrees with theories such Marxism, which makes generalisations about families. Postmodernist theorists claim that family is unique for everyone and that family dynamics and interactions cannot (and should not) be generalised.
What is the postmodernist perspective on divorce?
Postmodernists note that divorce rates are increasing, which means the family and its structures are likely to continue changing for many people. However, postmodernists do not necessarily see divorce as a bad thing, as remaining in a marriage can sometimes be problematic.
What does John Bernades argue about divorce?
Argues that in cases of domestic violence, stress, health issues, or general dissatisfaction, divorce may actually help to alleviate problems that appear with remaining married. In this way, divorce may be a solution.
What did Bernades state about the functionalist perspective on divorce?
Unlike functionalists, Bernades argues that divorce is not necessarily a ‘social problem’. He states that if functionalists were to acknowledge the problems in married life, they would be less likely to view divorce as a sign of anomie or a threat to solidarity.
What do postmodernists argue about the changes in attitudes towards romantic and sexual connections?
Postmodernists argue that due to changes in attitudes towards romantic and sexual connections, the importance of family life has changed
What changes do postmodernists cite as contributing to the changing perception of family life
- Declining stigma attached to premarital sex and relationships
- Different functions and purpose of marriage in modern times
- Rise of acceptance of non-metrosexual relationships
Explain how postmodernists feel declining stigma has changed family life
Due to the declining stigma attached to premarital sex and relationships in the West, individuals have more opportunities to ‘find the one’ and explore different partnerships before settling down to marry. Individuals are therefore more experienced and have higher standards for marriage, compared to more traditional times.
Explain how postmodernists feel different functions and purposes of marriage in modern times have affected family life
The acts of marriage and starting a family do not serve as many functional purposes as before. For example, women were expected to marry for financial support and men were expected to marry, so they could have children. Nowadays, individuals are more likely to marry for love, which means they may marry later in life as they do not have to think about functionality.
Explain how postmodernists feel the growing acceptance of non-heterosexual marriage has affected family life
Postmodernists feel it is important to also consider the rise in acceptance of non-heterosexual relationships. In many countries, homosexuality is decriminalised, and gay marriage is legal, which means individuals have more freedom to be themselves and find partners. This can create many different family types.
Explain how postmodernists feel the rise of consumer culture/choice and technology have affected family life
People have come to expect choice over what goods they buy, and the same applies to relationships: people choose when or whether to get into a relationship, whether to get married, and when or whether they break up. Online dating and hookup sites have set up a new norm of relationships being like shopping: if you can’t find someone ‘just right’ then either don’t bother continuing or find someone that will suffice for now, and ditch them when someone who does ‘tick all boxes’ comes along.
What do postmodernists feel the rise of consumer culture/choice and technology might explain?
The rise in serial monogamy
Who carried out the study “The Divorce Extended Family”?
Judith Stacey (1998)
What did Stacey highlight in her study ‘The Divorce Extended Family’?
The increased freedom enjoyed by women to create their own family structures in postmodern times
Explain what Stacey found in her study
She identified the “divorce-extended family”, a family type where family members are connected through divorce, not marriage. Due to various changes in society over the years, women are no longer restricted to one type of family arrangement; they can create family structures to suit their individual needs. As a result, their life choices may be very diverse and fluid in comparison to traditional eras where women had limited choices in shaping their lives.
