family diversity

Question 1

(Modernism) what do functionalists think of diverse families

Answer 1

anything other than the nuclear family is dysfunctional

Question 2

(Modernism) TNR view of family diversity

Answer 2

• traditional families are natural because they’re based off of biological differences
• growing family diversity = social problems
• LP harms children - poorer, no role model = delinquency

Question 3

AO3 of TNR

Answer 3

• against female equality
• patriarchal
• no evidence to prove LP = delinquent children
• cohabitation is highest in poorer families, poverty may be the reason for family breakdowns

Question 4

(Modernism) Chester - neo-conventional family

Answer 4

• family diversity is okay
• neo-conventional has dual earners, family type is chosen
• there is minimal change overall - most people live in a house with a married couple, most people marry and have children, divorcees remarry

importance of family diversity is exaggerated

Question 5

(Modernism) TNR view on cohabitation

Answer 5

• cause of LP families is cohabiters collapsing
• avoids responsibility
• children need to be protected by marriage
• divorce laws undermine traditional convention

Question 6

(Modernism) Rapoports

Answer 6

• we have a pluralistic society = family diversity is good

1. organisational diversity
2. cultural diversity
3. social class diversity
4. life stage diversity
5. generational diversity

Question 7

(PM) Cheal

Answer 7

• no dominant family type
• we have choice in what makes us feel secure

Question 8

(PM) Giddens and Beck

Answer 8

individualisation thesis = we aren’t influenced by tradition, we make our own choices

Question 9

(PM) the pure relationship

Answer 9

• Giddens
• individual choice and equality are the basis of intimate relationships today
• key feature is satisfying needs, love, attraction, happiness - not law and tradition
• relationships = ‘rolled contract” = end at any time

Question 10

(PM) Stacey

Answer 10

• frees women
• postmodernism = women no longer being domestic, rather going to work or school
• new family types are crafted through active choices

Question 11

(PM) sex and family diversity

Answer 11

contraception allows for sex to be a form of intimacy not forcing women into reproduction - reduces patriarchal norms and means marriage doesn’t have to be all about children

Question 12

(PM) same-sex couples as pioneers

Answer 12

• same-sex couples are paving the way for equal relationships because they are not influenced by tradition
• first household type to make relationships based on choice and negotiation

Question 13

(PM) Beck

Answer 13

• negotiated family
• we live in a ‘risk society’ where we have more choice and weigh risks against rewards
• greater gender equality and greater individualism = what led to diversity
• less stable - easier to leave
• zombie family

Question 14

(PM) zombie family

Answer 14

• the family appears to be alive but is dead
• no security in the family, only uncertainty

Question 15

power of structures

Answer 15

traditional structures aren’t disappearing, they’re being reshaped (i.e., lesbianism is now tolerated, but the expectation of heteronormativity means they’re usually left in the closet

Question 16

(PLP) AO3 of individualisation thesis

Answer 16

• exaggerates choice = traditional norms haven’t weakened that much
• ignores the importance of inequalities that weaken choice

Question 17

(PLP) connectedness thesis

Answer 17

• choices are made within a web of social connectedness
• existing relationships and personal history influence choice
• people can’t just ‘walk away’ from relationships (i.e., divorcees contacting children)

Question 18

(Fem) gender + diversity

Answer 18

• women usually get children after divorce - less chance of new relationships whereas men get second families
• women are paid less, giving them less power than men