Families: family diversity Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is Parsons functional fit explanation of the nuclear family
The nuclear family is uniquely suited to meeting the needs of modern society for a geographically and socially mobile workforce
What type of family do functionalists favour
Nuclear family with a division of labour
What type of family do the new right see as correct and normal
The traditional patriarchal nuclear family with a married couple and their dependent children. There is a clear division of labour
Why are the new right against lone parent families
- Lone mothers cant discipline their children properly
- Boys are left without male role models leading to educational failure and behaviour problems
- Lone parent families are often poorer and are a burden on the welfare state
What do new right argue is the main cause of lone parent families
The collapse of relationships between cohabiting couples
Why does Benson argue that married couples are more stable
It requires a deliberate comittment whereas cohabitation allows partners to avoid comittment and responsibility
How does Oakley criticise the new right
It is wrong to assume men and womens roles are fixed by biology as cross cultural studies show great variation in the roles men and women perform in the family
How do feminists criticise the new right
The nuclear family is based on the patriarchal oppression of women and is a fundamental cause of gender inequality
Why does Snart argue poverty causes breakdown of marriage
Cohabitation is higher with poorer social groups
What is Chesters neo conventional family
A dual earner family where both spouses work
What reason does Chester give for many people not being in a nuclear family
Due to the life cycle. e.g. elderly widows and young people who are not yet married have been or will be part of a nuclear family
What is the significant difference between Chesters neo conventional family and functionalists view of the family
Chester sees a change where both spouses play an instrumental and breadwinner role
How do the Rapports say that families have changed
We have moved away from the traditional nuclear family to a range of different types
What are the Rapports 5 types of family diversity
- Organisational diversity
- Cultural diversity
- Social class diversity
- Life stage diversity
- Generational diversity
What is organisational diversity
Rapports
The differences in ways family roles are organised. e.g. joint or segregated conjugal roles
What is cultural diversity
Rapports
Different ethnic cultural and religious groups have different family structures
What is social class diversity
Rapports
Differences in family structure are partly the result of income differences between families of different social classes
What is life stage diversity
Rapports
Family structures differ based n the stages reached in the life cycle
What is generational diversity
Rapports
Older and younger generations have different attitudes and experiences that reflect the historical period in which they have lived
What does postmodernist Cheal argue about family structure
There is no longer one single dominant single family structure. Instead family structures have become more fragmented into many different types and individuals have more choice
How does Stacey argue increased personal choice has benifited women
Enabled them to free themselves from patriarchal oppression and to shape their family arrangements to meet their needs
What is Staceys divorce extended family
Members of the family are connected by divorce rather than marriage
Why does Morgan argue it is pointless to make generalisations about the family
A family is whatever people choose to call their family
What is the individualisation thesis
The traditional social structures such as class gender and family have lost influence over us
