The dominance of the nuclear family and the extent of family diversity

Question 1

Points that support the view that the nuclear family is dominant

Answer 1

1)Universal dominance ,
-This is the argument that the nuclear family has always been dominant from pre-industrial societies to date

-This is supported by murdock’s view based on his study of 250 societies

2)Convergence,
-This is based on the view that different types of families are changing and taking the form of the nuclear family.
e.g function of fit argument

• Nuclear family adapted
  to dual earner.
• Basic features of most family types still modelled on nuclear family/building block of all family forms/Universality of the
  nuclear family.
• Extent of diversity exaggerated – most people don’t live in alternative family types
  for long.
• Some societies continue to promote the nuclear family e.g. government policies.
• Media often continues to promote the nuclear family.
• Ideal fit needed for capitalist societies which continues to thrive.

Question 2

Points against the view that the nuclear family is not dominant

Answer 2

• Evidence of growth in family diversity/other family forms.
• Decline in the number of traditional nuclear family.
• Changes in position of women has contributed to growth in different family forms.
• Changing patterns of marriage and divorce.
• It is questionable whether the nuclear
  family was ever the dominant family form.
• Cultural/religious influences in creating
  diversity

Question 3

What are the reasons for greater diversity in family types/structure.

Answer 3

1)Social changes ,
-such as relatively easy access to divorce have led to greater numbers of reconstituted / single parent families and single person households

2)Changing social attitudes ,
-such as greater social acceptance of single-parent and same-sex family structures have also resulted in structural diversity.

3)Increased life expectancy ,
-Changes to the welfare system have created changes within family structures.These include a new style of grandparenting in which grandparents play a greater role in the care of grandchildren.

Question 4

What are beanpole families

Answer 4

Brannen (2003) argues that a new type of family has appeared in industrialized societies - the beanpole family.

• this is a four generational family which includes great-grandparents , grandparents , parents and grandchildren.

Question 5

Why has there been a growth in one person households

Answer 5

-There are more older people living alone after the death of their partner.

-There are more middle aged people (usually men) living alone who have moved out of the family home after a divorce.

-More people choose to live alone and can do so. For women it has become acceptable to stay single rather than marry. which would have been extremely difficult before due to financial reasons and other reasons

-More people have a university education which can often mean moving out of the family home and not returning.