theories on family diversity Flashcards
functionalist theory
parsons - NF is only ideal type of family - has functional fit
2 functions - primary socialisation & stabilisation of adult personalities - creates social solidarity
new right theory
NF is only normal, natural type of family - based on biological differences
FD damaging for society - causes social problems
LPFs are burden to welfare state
chester
NF is most typical type of family - FD is exaggerated
stats only show snapshot - type of family people live in at one given time
move from conventional to neo conventional family
postmodernist - giddens
greater choice and equality allows people to choose own family structure based on own needs - pure relationships - FD leads to freedom of choice but also greater instability
sees same sex couples as leading way towards new family types and creating more democratic and equal relationships - less influenced by tradition
postmodernist - beck
FD caused by greater equality and individualism - led to negotiated family - based on gender equality and wishes of couple
risk society - people have more choice but also face more risks, while in the past people knew what to expect from family life
more risks in society - we turn to the family for
security, but even family is not guaranteed - relationships can easily end - refers to family as a zombie - appears to be alive, but is dead - can’t provide security as it ‘s unstable.
postmodernist - individualisation thesis - giddens and beck
in past - family life influenced by social factors
today - greater freedom - we have become disembedded from traditional roles
beck - standard biography replaced by do it yourself biography
individualisation thesis criticism - smart and may
individualisation thesis exaggerates how much choice individuals have within family
individualisation thesis is wrong to see individuals as disembedded and totally free to make choices
independently from influence of wider social norms
individualisation fails to acknowledge how social factors like CGE limits choices individuals have when it comes to family life
personal life perspective
smart and may - connectedness thesis - live within networks of existing relationships which influence choices
social factors also effect choices
