Topic 3 - Family diversity

Question 1

Which family type do functionalists see as the best fit? And why?

Answer 1

Parsons (functionalist) sees the nuclear family as the best fit due to the division of labour between a husband and wife. (Expressive and Instrumental role)

Question 2

Why do the New Right prefer the nuclear family?

Answer 2

They believe family diversity caused many problems in society for example - lone parent households are usually welfare dependent and cause a burden to the tax payer and welfare state.

Question 3

According to the Rapports, what types of family diversity are there?

Answer 3

1. Organisational diversity- some families are joint conjugal, dual earner and some are segregated with one earner.
2. Cultural diversity
3. Social class diversity
4. Life stage diversity
5. Generational diversity

Question 4

What do postmodernists say about family diversity?

Answer 4

Postmodernists believe there is far more diversity in todays society. We now have many fragmented family types and individuals which can bring choice and freedom.

Question 5

What does Stacey say about postmodern families?

Answer 5

Greater freedom and choice benefited women the most and they are major agents in shaping the family to meet their needs and break free from patriarchal oppression, e.g. reject domestic roles, get a career etc.

Question 6

What does the individualisation thesis argue?

Answer 6

That there is more individual choice on families and relationships. And that traditional social cultures such as class, gender and family have lost their influence on us.

Question 7

Giddens argues that the family had been transformed by greater choice and equality. Why is this?

Answer 7

• Contraception allowed sex and intimacy without reproduction to become the main reason for relationships existence.
• Women have gained independence as a result of feminism and because of greater opportunities in education and work.