Postmodernism And The Family

Question 1

What are the theories for postmodernism?

Answer 1

• Anthony Giddens: confluent love
• Anthony Giddens : reflexivity
• Beck: risk society
• Beck: individualisation

Question 2

What is reflexively according to Giddens ?

Answer 2

• individuals constantly questioning what they’re doing in life and reflect on alternatives
• greater choice to construct own domestic arrangement
• people CHOOSING Singlehood, cohabitation , same sex rather than nuclear

Question 3

What is confluent love: Giddens

Answer 3

Women/individuals stay in relationship if emotional needs are being fulfilled and will look for love elsewhere if it’s no longer satisfied
- emotional fulfilment

Question 4

What is Beck : risk society ?

Answer 4

• want to avoid risk
• commitment of marriage and having children is too much of a risk for some people
• so opt for less risky e.g cohabitating, living apart, staying single
• have choice to avoid risk

Question 5

What is beck: individualisation ?

Answer 5

• individuals no longer tied to fixed roles or identities
• women no longer expected to marry , have children no longer the norm
• Individuals have freedom and choice

Question 6

What are the evaluations of postmodernism?

Answer 6

• exaggerating change in family :
  Despite diversity and choice two parent family is still the norm and what people aspire for
• neglecting social structure :
  despite choice individuals experience constrains to decisions e.g ethnicity and gender
• ethnicity :
  Idea of choice and individualism more applicable to white population than ethnic groups
• gender :
  Feminist critise for ignoring patriarchal aspects of family despite choice some feel trapped as do not have money to leave for safety (Delphy and Leonard)