The Sociology Of Personal Life And The Changing Life Course Flashcards
Until the 1960’s what was family life like
Standard life pattern of marriage, having children, the empty nest( when children grow up and leave home) and retirement and enjoying grandchildren.
How were most children brought up
With their natural two parents and they would remain together until one parented dies.
They lived in a cereal packet family (mum runs the home and dad goes to work)
What do post modernists argue
That we no longer live in a modern society with a orderly structure. E.g. A nuclear family.
What do post modernists feel like we live in now
More chaotic post modern society
What do the new right argue
They oppose gay marriage, cohabitation ( couples living together who don’t choose to get married) and lone parent hood.
Who are the new right
They are traditionalists who want a return to the instrumental and expressive roles of men and women
What does rapports argue
That diversity is a positive response to people’s needs.
What 5 types of family diversity do they identify
1) organisational diversity ( some couples have conjugal roles while others have segregated roles, one wage earner)
2) cultural diversity ( more lone parents in African Caribbean families where there are more extended families in Asian countries)
3) social class diversity ( difference in income can mean differences in the way children are brought up)
4) life stage diversity ( young people share houses at young age however when they grow up they live in a nuclear family)
5) generational diversity ( older people are more likely to disagree with homosexuality or cohabitation)
What do giddens and black contribute towards
The INDIVIDUALISATION THESIS - traditional life patten has changed because traditional attitudes and expectations have weakened
What do Giddens and Black feel
That people now have more option, personal life choices and they can shape their own life’s. e.g. Choose to be homosexual or have children outside of marriage.
What does beck argue
That we live in a ‘risk society’ e.g. Relationships are less stable –> it can be risky to have children in case you end up as a lone parent
What type of family has becks argue lead to
‘Negotiated family’ - they do not confirm to the traditional family but they accord to the wishes of its members, they decide what is best for them.
What is wrong with a ‘ negotiated family’
They are less stable and if individual needs are not met then they may leave. This leads to greater family diversity with more lone parents and divorces.
What does giddens argue
That contraception has allowed has allowed sex and intimacy to become the main reason of a relationship rather than reproduction
What else does giddens say
That women have more independence because of feminist movement and they have greater opportunity in education and work
