booklet 2 changing family patterns

Question 1

reasons for increase in divorce

Answer 1

1. changes in law (divorce reform act)
2. declining stigma ( socially acceptable)
3. secularisation ( religion has less influence0
4. changes in position of women (Sharpe, different priorities)
5. individualisation (pure relationships - if people aren’t fulfilled they’ll leave. not in relationships as a duty)

Question 2

how does the new right see divorce?

Answer 2

• as a bad thing
• divorce creates an underclass who depend on benefits and cause crime
• children aren’t socialised properly
• boys lack a male role model

Question 3

how do feminists see divorce?

Answer 3

• good thing
• women are breaking free

Question 4

how do post modernists see divorce?

Answer 4

• shows individual choices being made
• provides freedom

Question 5

how does personal life see divorce?

Answer 5

• cause financial difficulties
• lack of daily contact between kid and non-resident parents

Question 6

reasons for decrease in marriage

Answer 6

1. cost of marriage
2. changing attitudes (less pressure to marry)
3. secularisation
4. changes in position of women
5. fear of divorce

Question 7

how do functionalists see divorce?

Answer 7

• divorce doesn’t mean NF is under threat
• say high expectations of marriage is the cause
• people will re-marry

Question 8

Sue Sharpe’s study

Answer 8

studied WC girls (6th formers) in 1970s and in 1990s.
found changes in their ambitions
70s - love, marriage, children
90s - career, job, be able to support themself