Topic 4 - Contemporary perspectives on the role of the familty Flashcards
What does modernism assume about the social world?
It is fixed, rigid and structured
What does postmodernism think about society?
Traditional structures have broken down and that society is much more fluid and characterised by choice
What are the 2 key characteristics of the postmodern phase?
- Diversity and fragmentation - society is fragmented and people create their identity from a wide range of choice
- Rapid social change - new tech etc. has transformed our lives
What did Anthony Giddens argue that society has entered?
A phase of ‘late modernity’
What did Giddens argue about relationships?
People should enter pure relationships based on love and care
How did Giddens argue people created pure relationships?
Using reflexivity - the ability to reflex on past evens/choices
Why did Giddens like same-sex relationships?
As it is leading a way to new family types and creating more equal relationships
How does Beck disagree with Giddens?
They say we have entered a phase of ‘second modernity’, not late modernity
What society does Beck argue we live in?
A risk society
What family type does Beck talk about?
A negotiated family - enter the relationship on an equal basis
How does Beck argue that the Patriarchal family has been undermined - 2 ways?
Greater gender equality
Greater individualism
What did Judith Stacey identify from her study?
Silicon Valley study -
Women rather than men are the driving force of changes
Discovered women rejected the traditional housewife role and chose extremely varied life paths
Identified a family type called the Divorce-extended family - connected by divorce
What did Carol Smart find in her book - Personal Life?
People try to shape their personal life, but cannot do what they want
People’s agency is ALWAYS constrained by their relationships
What is Smart’s connectedness thesis?
We live in a network of existing relationships that strongly influence our range of options and choices in relationships
