The influence of stratification and ethnicity on family diversity Flashcards
Family diversity
The increase in the number of different types of family
Where was the extended family common in the UK?
Among strong working class communities living in areas with old industries, e.g. steel, coal
Why did people live as extended families here?
Secure jobs meant there was no reason to move away, so it was nornal for men and women to marry and stay in the area, close to their parents.
Why did extended families then decrease among the working class?
These industries declined in the late 20th century, causing men to lose their jobs and families moved away in search of work
Where are matrifocal families common in the UK?
Among the African-Caribbean minority
Matriarchy
When women have power and a central role in both the family and wider society
Matrifocal family
where the mother heads the family and the father has a less important role in the family and in bringing children up
Who often supports the mothers in matrifocal families?
Their own mothers and female relatives
How might matrfocal families have began with slavery?
The male ancestors of todays African-Caribbean families couldn’t provide for and protect their families. Later, poverty and unemployement partly caused by racism meant they couldn’t fully take on the instrumental role
Arranged marriage
Where marriage partners are chosen by older family members rather than people choosing their own partner
Who are arranged marriages associeted with in the UK?
South Asian minority ethnic groups
Why might there be strong extended families and extended family ties among the South Asian minority ethnic groups?
Migration from South Asia: one member comes to the UK first and is joined by other members once they are established
How is family size different among the South Asian minority ethnic group?
They have large families as women from these minorties have more children than the UK average
Why are there traditional gender roles among the South Asian minority ethnic group?
Because of cultural reasons, women are less likely to go out to work, so paid work is done at home. It may also be a defence against racism
