modernism, post modernism and family life Flashcards
parsons (1950s America)?
function of the family is dependant on the society in which it is found "functional fit theory"
what is the modernist view of the family? (supported by the NR)
the family is a structurally isolated nuclear family
men are the authority figures/providers
women have the expressive role
this according to the new right is the best way to bring up a children, we call it the “cereal packet family”
why does the NR think that society is threatened?
rising divorce rate, lone parents, cohabitation, homosexual couples. the welfare state encourages families that are not functional
what does Chester recognise?
some increased family diversity but its not a negative thing
the family has become “neo conventional” - a dual earner family(symmetrical family)
argues that although alternatives exist, most people aspire to live in a nuclear family
statistics purely show a snapshot as many have once lived In a nuclear family and hope to in the future
why do the Rapaports disagree with Chester?
we live in a multi cultural society and family diversity reflects greater freedom of choice
family diversity is a positive response to peoples needs
what do postmodernists such as cheal argue?
we no longer live in a modern society
we have entered a new chaotic “post modern” stage where families have become fragmented into different types + people choose how to conduct their relationships
what does Judith Stacey say?
greater freedom and choice has benefited women
explain Judith Stacey’s study
conducted studies of post modern families in Silicon Valley, California
many of women interviewed rejected house wife role, returning to education a few years after working they had better job prospects, divorced, remarried and created new types of family that suited their needs
what did Judith Stacey mean by the “divorce extended family”
women receive support from ex-mothers in laws or their ex-partners new wife. this shows that there are different ways to build a family
what is the “life course analysis”
we should focus attention on how people make their own individual decisions rather than make sociological generalisations about society
