Family Diversity

Question 1

Giddens: choice and equality, pure relationships

Answer 1

Partners are not bound to eachother
But today relationships are about intimacy and needs
Choice and equality have transformed relationships
Because of contraception sex and intimacy > reproduction
Women have gained independence because in the past they were bounded by law and couldn’t divorce

AO3
It’s become less stable because of family diversity

Question 2

Giddens: choice and equality - same-sex couples as pioneers

Answer 2

Creating more democratic and equal relationships lead to family diversity
Homosexual couples are not influenced by tradition but by choice
Created healthy family structure based on their needs

AO3
Weston found that same-sex couples create ‘families of choice’
Weeks found that friendship networks functioned as kinship networks

Question 3

Beck: the negotiated family

Answer 3

Don’t conform the the traditional family norms - undermined. Varied according to members expectations
Argues that we live in a risk society meaning that we have more influence and choice around traditional norms

AO3
Contrast to previous historic years. Man is the breadwinner, women is the housewife
Beck - zombie family, alive but dead. Today’s family cannot provide security and family stability
Patriarchal but provides family basis and divides roles and responsibilities

Question 4

Personal life perspective - the connectedness thesis

Answer 4

Individuals have choices already made for them
Have a network of relationships that influence your choices
Finch and Mason - extended family study: choose what family vs still had an obligation to do certain things because they’re family

AO3
Not everyone have the opportunity to have free choices
Ignores the some are based on social context