Post modernists

• How is the concept of family described in the study material?

  The family is a fluid changing concept
• Why can't family dynamics be generalized according to the study material?

  Because family is unique for everyone and varies widely
• What types of families have increased in prevalence?

  Single parent families, reconstituted families, and same-sex families
• How do post-modernists view divorce?


  They do not see divorce as a bad thing
• According to Bernades, what can divorce help alleviate?


  Problems associated with domestic abuse and stress
• What do Giddens and Beck suggest about traditional social structures?


  They suggest that traditional social structures have lost influence over actions and decisions
• What advancements have contributed to the transformation of family choices according to Giddens and Beck?


  The availability of contraception and female independence
• How has greater freedom benefitted women according to Stacey?


  It has allowed women to free themselves from patriarchal oppression
• What is the significance of divorce in the context of extended families as described by Stacey?


  • Members include ex-in-laws, ex-partners, and their new partners
  • They provide financial and domestic support
  • Connections are maintained despite lack of blood or marriage ties
• What does the term "reconstituted families" refer to?


  Families formed by blending previous family units, often after divorce
• What role does divorce play in the context of family dynamics according to the study material?


  Divorce may be seen as a solution to alleviate problems
• Criticisms:

  • personal life perspective: exaggerates how much choice people have about families, although traditional social structures have weakened they do still exists and will influence peoples choices
  • May: Beck and Giddens view of the individual is simply an idealised version of white middle class man