Topic 5 - Changing Family Patterns (ethnic Differences, Childbearing Patterns & The Extended Family Flashcards
Stats for lone parent families among black African & Caribbean
ONS 2021 - 51% were lone parents, increased from 48% from 2011
How is slavery an explanation for high rates of lone parenthood among black families?
Evidence of family disorganisation which can be traced back to slavery — under slavery, when couples were sold separately, children typically stayed with the mother, this established a pattern of family life which persists today
Male unemployment and poverty also mean that black men are less able provide for their family, resulting in higher rates of desertion or marital breakdown
How are extended families linked to Asian culture?
Ballard
Larger Asian households reflect the value placed on the extended family, it provided an important source of support, comfort and guidance among Asian migrants during the 1950s/60s
In this early period of migration, houses were often shared by extended families.
Later, although Asian families are now nuclear, relatives often live nearby — frequent visiting and kinship networks
How are Caribbean extended families described?
Chamberlain
Study of Caribbean families in Britain found that despite being geographically dispersed, they continued to provide support, with close and frequent contact between siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins who often make a big contribution to childbearing
Extended family survives because it performs important functions for its members
What did the study into working & middle class extended families find?
Bell
Research in Swansea found that both middle & working class families had emotional bonds with kin and relied on them for support
Among the middle class — there was more financial help from father to son
Among working class — had more frequent contact and there was more domestic help from mothers to daughters
Who outlined the beanpole family?
Brannen
Describes the family as ‘long and thin’
It is extended vertically — through 3 or more generations; grandparents, parents and children
But does not extend horizontally — does not involve aunts, uncles, cousins
Who outlines obligations to relatives?
Finch & Mason
Despite rise of the beanpole family, people still feel an obligation to help their extended kin
Found over 90% of people had given or received financial help and about half had cared for a sick relative
Found that caring for sick relatives was an expectation that was imposed more on women then men
Who supports obligation to relatives?
Cheal
Notes that where personal care for an elderly woman is needed, a daughter or daughter in law is preferred if the husband is not available, sons are rarely chosen as caregivers for an elderly woman, on the other hand daughters are rarely chosen as appropriate people to provide financial support
