Postmodernist views on the family Flashcards
What are the general postmodernist views on the family?
Increased choice has led to increased family diversity, as has the impact of migration on the types of families in the UK.
Postmodernity is more concerned with the experiences of individuals within families and the personal life choices that individuals make.
There’s greater acceptance of same sex relationships, lone parents and singlehood being seen as an acceptable way of living.
Fragmentation refers to the breaking down of shared norms and values, leading to individuals adopting more personalised and complex identities and lifestyles.
What are Stacey’s views on the family?
Stacey studied the lives of Californian women after they had divorced, looking at the relationships they formed with others and support networks that emerged.
Some women developed extended support networks from their friends who became defined as a surrogate family who performed key functions.
Others maintained relationships with former partners and their relatives as a result of shared parenting.
Hareven advocated the approach of “life course analysis”, where sociologists should research the individual family members and their choices.
What are the postmodernist views on LAT relationships?
Postmodernists saw a growth of LAT partnerships.
Changes in relationships have led to increasing insecurity in relationships which reduces levels of commitment – individual financial security is more valued than emotional.
Impacts of globalisation and internal migration puts strain on traditional relationships, but better technology means the LATs can still communicate.
What are the evaluations of postmodernist views on the family?
Often the exception rather than the rule are less widespread than traditional relationships.
While there has been an increase in some family diversity, some such as Chester would argue that traditional structures such as the adults and their children would still exist.
Postmodernity is concerned with variations of choice, but doesn’t take into account how people are shaped by social pressures.
