Topic 2 - describing family change? Flashcards
Introduction?
Sociologists focus on two main tasks regarding family change: describing the evolving family structures and identifying patterns and trends, and understanding the reasons behind these changes.
Family change?
The traditional nuclear family model, characterized by a male breadwinner and female housewife, is declining, despite being seen as ideal by sociologists like Talcott Parsons. Most agree this structure is outdated due to several factors: decreased availability of well-paid male jobs, women’s growing roles in the workforce, and their expectations for fulfilling careers. These workforce changes and evolving gender expectations have significantly impacted family life and society.
Demography?
Demography studies population changes and social structures, focusing on trends and predictions. The UK’s demographic landscape is shifting due to changing birth and death rates, with people living longer and healthier lives, leading to an increase in older individuals, many of whom live alone. Women are having fewer children, with the average age of motherhood rising to about 30. Divorce rates have increased since the 1950s, but marriage remains common, alongside cohabitation. There are more single-parent households and acceptance of same-sex families. Elective singlehood is growing, with adult children staying at home longer due to economic factors, known as “boomerang children.” Migration is also influencing family patterns, particularly among those of Asian heritage.
New family forms?
The beanpole family?
Historically, families had many children, resulting in a triangular structure. Today, family trees are longer and thinner, with fewer members per generation living longer. Rising divorce rates further complicate this, as children may belong to multiple families.
Sandwich generation?
People are living longer and having children later, resulting in children leaving home at older ages. As of 2013, an estimated 2.4 million people in the UK are responsible for both their dependent children and elderly parents. This dual responsibility can create emotional and financial strain, particularly for women in mid-to-late life.
Single parents by choice?
It is now widely accepted for adults to have children without a long-term partner, whether through adoption or after a breakup before the child’s birth.
Smart and Neale ( 1999) ?
suggest that the prevalence of divorce has led many to view parent-child relationships as more satisfying than adult partnerships.
Single parents due to a relationship breakdown?
Berrington (2014) notes that the diversity of family types makes generalization difficult. Most single parents are typically women in their 30s who often remain single until they find new partners. Government reports link lone parenthood to relationship breakdowns, poverty, and deprivation.
Blended or reconstituted family?
Historically referred to as stepfamilies, many modern families in the UK—about 10%—include two adult parents with children from multiple relationships, often following a parent’s death. Not all children born to unmarried mothers come from lone-parent situations; some are in stable relationships. However, evidence suggests that unmarried couples are more susceptible to breakups than married couples.
Gay or same-sex family?
Historically, same-sex couples have existed, but recent legal changes now grant them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
Living apart/together?
Levin (2005) identified a family form where couples maintain their own households while staying closely connected, commonly found in Scandinavia.
Coparenting def?
This is a parenting situation, where 2 or more people parent the child.
They may never have been in a romantic relationship, married, or cohabited.
Sociological debate?
Intimacy vs social breakdown?
Gillies (2003) and Jamison (1998) suggest that statistical analyses indicate decreasing adversity in family forms. While some commentators and politicians view these changes as threatening and indicative of social breakdown, others see them as a move toward more democratic family structures based on choice.
