Postmodernism And The Family

Question 1

What theory is postmodernism

Answer 1

Social action theory

Question 2

What is postmodernism based on

Answer 2

A view of society and its development through differnt stages: pre modernity, modernity and postmodernists.

Question 3

What does post modernism think of society

Answer 3

That contemporary society is characterised by diversity and choice

Question 4

What is pre modernity

Answer 4

Classic extended family
Shared emotional and economic support 
Rural
Lots of children- high infant mortality rate
Reliegon strong
Ascribed status 
Family unit of production 
Traditional societies

Question 5

What is modernity

Answer 5

Industrialisation to 20th century 
Nuclear family as ppl move for jobs 
Achieved status
Urbanisation 
Families unit of consumption 
Scientific revolution decreased religion 
NHS

Question 6

What is post modernity

Answer 6

21st century 
More family diversity 
Developments of dominance politics 
Better pay and work conditions 
Jobs not producing product but giving a service 
Improvements to technology 
Improved health care 
Media- social media
Society questions everything

Question 7

Who was the rapports 1982

Answer 7

Some of first sociologists to consider family diversity believe diversity is of central importance in understanding the family today as we now have a wide range of family types

Question 8

What were the 5 types of diversity

Answer 8

Organisational diversity 
Cultural diversity 
Social class diversity 
Life stage diversity 
Generational diversity

Question 9

What is organisational diversity

Answer 9

There are differences in the roles of family members in different families

Question 10

What is cultural diversity

Answer 10

Cultural religious and ethnic groups have different family structures and practices

Question 11

What is social class diversity

Answer 11

Differnt social classes have differences in family structures and child rearing

Question 12

What is life stage diversity

Answer 12

Differences in family structure based on life cycle

Question 13

What is generational diversity

Answer 13

Differnt generations have different attitudes and experiences

Question 14

What do postmodernists argue about social change

Answer 14

Experiences rapid social change and people are no longer constrained by social structures such as family and traditional norms. No longer live In a predictable modern society but a new chaotic postmodern stage where family structures are fragmented

Question 15

What is the individualisation thesis

Answer 15

Traditional structures have lost influence and we have lost influence and we have freedom to choose how to live our lives to meet our own needs. People choose family types taht suit they’re emotional and social needs. Leads to an increase in ‘mix & match’ relationships

Question 16

What are mix & match relationships

Answer 16

People shop around for partners and only stay in a relationship when they’re fully satisfied increasing family instability

Question 17

What was giddens theory of the pure relationship

Answer 17

How the nature of relationships has changed historically and he identified three stages:
The pre modern era
The modern era
The late modern era

Question 18

What did giddens say the pre modern era is

Answer 18

Marriage was a practical and economic arrangement. E.g. represented joining of two families and for women it secured them with a source of income

Question 19

What did giddens say is the modern era

Answer 19

‘Romantic love” began to develop which involved idea taht people will be sexually attracted to one another leading to partners being bound together until death as princibiles such as ‘one and only’ and ‘love forever’ promoted. Obligation to stay together and difficulty of divorce many became empty shell marriages

Question 20

What did giddens say is the late modern era

Answer 20

Relationships no longer bound by norms due to greater equality of the sexed. They exist to satisfy each partners needs. They aim for ‘pure relationship’ based on ‘confluent love’

Question 21

What is comfluent love

Answer 21

Mutual satisfactipn on both partners then if their needs are not being met they are free to leave

Question 22

Who is Beck 1992

Answer 22

Late modernist said we live in a ‘risk society’ where we calculate risk and rewards before making choices. Said we have ‘negotiated families’

Question 23

What did beck say negotiated families are

Answer 23

Partners enter on an equal basis and negotiate to ensure tang the family works because other wise people leave

Question 24

Who is Stacey 1998

Answer 24

A postmodernist said greater freedom and choice has benefitted women as women now shape family to meet their needs

Question 25

Who’s smart 2007

Answer 25

‘Personal life’ is more neutral and flexible as goes beyond marriage and kin. Postmodernists sugggest people have different ideas about who counts as family

Question 26

Strengths of postmodernism

Answer 26

Recognise family diversity
Acknowledges reasons behind family diversity
Acknowledges there should be sexual attracted to each other instead of reproduction for work
Modern theory
Recognises how relationships have changed and what’s involved
Not ethnocentric
Recognised social change
Individuals ahve choices
Helps us understand how people define ‘family’

Question 27

Weaknesses of postmodernism

Answer 27

Mix and match isn’t as easy as they portray as one finds it harder than the other.
Doesn’t include domestic violence
Doesn’t focus on abstract of family in detail
CHESTER 1985 said family diversity has been exaggerated, family life unchanged l.
Undermines influence of society and norms.
67% families have married couple at basis.
Too much choice creates unreasonable expectations.
Self centred- people do think of others.
Not everyone has same ability to exercise choice
Ignores what’s special about blood and marital relationships