Modernist Theories of Family Diversity

Question 1

Do traditional functionalists (Parsons and Murdock) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

Do contemporary functionalists (Chester) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 2

Not significantly and only within the nuclear family

Question 3

Do the New Right (Murray/ Benson) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

Do Rapoports believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

Do traditional functionalists (Parsons) believe that greater family diversity is positive or negative

Answer 5

Negative

Question 6

Do contemporary functionalists (Chester) believe that greater family diversity is positive or negative?

Answer 6

• No issue with dual earner
• No comment on wider family diversity

Question 7

Does the New Right (Murray/ Benson) believe that greater family diversity is positive or negative?

Answer 7

Negative

Question 8

Does Rapoports believe that greater family diversity is positive or negative?

Answer 8

Positive

Question 9

What family type do functionalists see as ideal?

Answer 9

Nuclear

Question 10

What do the Rapportsargue family diversity is a reflection of?

Answer 10

A positive reflection of people’s different needs and wishes, rather than a problematic deviation from the ‘normal family.’

Question 11

Name the 5 different types of family diversity according to Rapports?

Answer 11

• Organisational
• Cultural
• Social Class
• Life-stage
• Generational

Question 12

Explain organisational as one of the different types of family diversity according to the Rapports

Answer 12

There are differences in the way that family roles are organised e.g. dual earner or segregated conjugal roles.

Question 13

Explain cultural as one of the different types of family diversity according to the Rapports

Answer 13

Different cultural and ethnic groups have different family structures e.g. more extended families amongst Asians.

Question 14

Explain social class as one of the different types of family diversity according to the Rapports

Answer 14

Differences in income are often reflected in family structures and experiences e.g. children may be socialised differently, may be dual earner etc

Question 15

Explain life-stage as one of the different types of family diversity according to the Rapports

Answer 15

Family structures vary according to the stage reached in the life cycle, for example young newlyweds – couple with dependent children – retired pensioner etc.

Question 16

Explain generational as one of the different types of family diversity according to the Rapports

Answer 16

Older and younger generations have different attitudes and experiences which reflect the period in which they have lived. E.g. older people may have more traditional views on divorce and same sex marriage

Question 17

Name 2 evaluations of the Rapports’ study on family diversity

Answer 17

• Largely focuses on differences within the nuclear families rather than different family types all together
• It is out of date as since 1982 (time of writing) families have become more diverse

Question 18

Why do functionalists see the nuclear family as ideal?

Answer 18

Because it best fits the needs of modern, industrial society, especially a geographically and socially mobile workforce.

Question 19

What is Parsons’ ‘functional fit theory’?

Answer 19

It explains how the extended family gave way to the nuclear family due to the needs of industrial society.

Question 20

What two key functions does Parsons say the nuclear family performs?

Answer 20

• Primary socialisation of children
• Stabilisation of adult personalities.

Question 21

Why are other family types, like lone-parent families, seen as dysfunctional by functionalists?

Answer 21

Because they are seen as unable to perform the essential functions as effectively as the nuclear family.

Question 22

How do feminists critique the functionalist view of the nuclear family?

Answer 22

Feminists argue the nuclear family is patriarchal, controlling and oppressing women and children rather than benefiting them.

Question 23

How does the personal life perspective evaluate the traditional functionalist theory of the family?

Answer 23

It argues that family effectiveness depends on the quality of relationships, not the family structure.

Question 24

What does the personal life perspective say about other family types in evaluating the traditional functionalist view?

Answer 24

It claims that lone-parent and reconstituted families can also socialise children and provide emotional and economic support effectively.

Question 25

What does Chester say about family diversity?

Answer 25

He acknowledges some diversity but argues it is not significant; the nuclear family remains dominant.

Question 26

What is Chester’s concept of the “neo-conventional family”?

Answer 26

A dual-earner nuclear family where both spouses work, replacing the traditional division of roles.

Question 27

Why does Chester believe family diversity is overstated?

Answer 27

Because statistics show only a snapshot in time and reflect life-cycle stages rather than long-term trends.

Question 28

What does Chester say about cohabitation and births outside marriage?

Answer 28

He sees cohabitation as often a temporary phase before marriage, and most non-marital births are jointly registered, showing parental commitment.

Question 29

How do critics evaluate Chester’s view of family diversity?

Answer 29

They argue he downplays the importance of non-nuclear families like lone-parent and gay families.

Question 30

What is another criticism of Chester’s argument on family statistics?

Answer 30

Critics claim statistics do reflect a real shift toward long-term family diversity, including cohabitation and declining marriage.

Question 31

What is the New Right view on family diversity?

Answer 31

They oppose it and believe the traditional nuclear family is the only correct and natural family type.

Question 32

Why does the New Right oppose family diversity?

Answer 32

They believe changes like lone parenthood and gay marriage are linked to social problems and moral decline.

Question 33

What does Murray argue about lone-parent families?

Answer 33

He claims they lead to poor discipline, lack of male role models, and reliance on welfare, which harms both children and society.

Question 34

What solution does Murray offer for reducing lone-parent families?

Answer 34

He suggests cutting welfare benefits to discourage lone-parent households and promote the nuclear family.

Question 35

What does Benson argue about marriage and cohabitation?

Answer 35

He claims cohabiting couples are less stable and that marriage creates stronger family commitment.

Question 36

What policy does Benson support to strengthen families?

Answer 36

Government policies that encourage marriage and commitment.

Question 37

How do feminists evaluate the New Right’s idealisation of the nuclear family?

Answer 37

They argue it promotes patriarchy, restricting women’s independence and reinforcing gender inequality.

Question 38

How is Murray’s view on lone-parent families challenged?

Answer 38

Critics say there is no solid evidence that children in lone-parent families are more likely to be delinquent when class is accounted for.

Question 39

How is Benson’s argument on cohabitation criticised?

Answer 39

Critics point out that many cohabiting couples are just as committed and view it as a long-term alternative to marriage.

Question 40

Do postmodernists (Stacey) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 40

Yes

Question 41

Do Late Modern – Individualisation thesis (Giddens and Beck) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 41

Yes

Question 42

Do Late Modern (pure love, equality and choice) Giddens believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 42

Yes

Question 43

Do Late Modern – negotiated family (Beck) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 43

Yes

Question 44

Do PLPs – connectedness thesis (Smart) believe there is greater family diversity?

Answer 44

Yes

Question 45

Do postmodernists (Stacey) believe greater family diversity is a positive or negative?

Answer 45

Positive

Question 46

Do Late Modern – Individualisation thesis (Giddens and Beck) believe greater family diversity is a positive or negative?

Answer 46

Positive

Question 47

Do Late Modern (pure love, equality and choice) Giddens believe greater family diversity is a positive or negative?

Answer 47

Positive

Question 48

Do Late Modern – negotiated family (Beck) believe greater family diversity is a positive or negative?

Answer 48

Positive but with nuance

Question 49

Do PLPs – connectedness thesis (Smart) believe greater family diversity is a positive or negative?

Answer 49

Positive

Question 50

What is the postmodernist view of family diversity?

Answer 50

Families are increasingly diverse and individuals have more personal choice in relationships.

Question 51

What are the advantages and disadvantages of postmodern family diversity?

Answer 51

- Advantage: more personal freedom - Disadvantage: greater risk of instability in relationships.

Question 52

What is Stacey’s (1998) concept of the ‘divorce-extended family’?

Answer 52

A family formed through divorce, including ex-in-laws and new partners who support each other.

Question 53

How does Stacey see family diversity as beneficial for women?

Answer 53

It gives women freedom to reject traditional roles and shape family life to suit their needs.

Question 54

What is the individualisation thesis?

Answer 54

The idea that traditional roles have weakened and individuals can now make their own choices.

Question 55

What do Giddens and Beck mean by ‘disembedded from tradition’?

Answer 55

People are no longer bound by traditional norms and can define their own relationships.

Question 56

What does Giddens mean by ‘choice and equality’ in relationships?

Answer 56

Modern relationships are more equal and based on personal choice due to contraception and female empowerment.

Question 57

What is the ‘pure relationship’ according to Giddens?

Answer 57

A relationship based on love and satisfaction, not tradition or obligation.

Question 58

What is ‘confluent love’?

Answer 58

Love that lasts only as long as the relationship is fulfilling for both partners.

Question 59

Why does Giddens say pure relationships increase family diversity?

Answer 59

Because their instability leads to more lone-parent and reconstituted families.

Question 60

Why are same-sex couples seen as pioneers by Giddens?

Answer 60

They are not shaped by traditional gender roles and create more equal, democratic relationships.

Question 61

What is Beck’s ‘negotiated family’?

Answer 61

A family where roles are decided through negotiation, based on individual choice.

Question 62

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the negotiated family?

Answer 62

- Advantage: more equality and freedom - Disadvantage: less stable and secure.

Question 63

What is a feminist critique of Giddens and Beck?

Answer 63

They exaggerate the level of choice and underestimate how patriarchy and social class limit freedom.

Question 64

How does the personal life perspective (Smart) evaluate the individualisation thesis?

Answer 64

Choices are shaped by existing family ties; we are not completely free or isolated.

Question 65

What is Smart’s ‘connectedness thesis’?

Answer 65

People’s choices in relationships are shaped by existing ties and responsibilities.

Question 66

How does Smart challenge the idea of confluent love?

Answer 66

She argues that relationships don’t simply end due to ongoing emotional and practical connections, like children.

Question 67

What social factors does the PLP say limit family choice?

Answer 67

Gender, class, and sexuality limit freedom; e.g., women are more likely to retain custody and be economically dependent.