Other Views

• What does Cheal (1993) argue about individuals in postmodern societies?

  Individuals have the freedom and choice to determine their own life course.
• How have family structures changed in postmodern societies according to Cheal?

  Family structures have become fragmented, with no single family type dominating.
• What does Morgan (2007) argue about family in postmodern society?

  The family is no longer just based on blood kinship ties.
• What does the blurring of boundaries between family and non-family units lead to?

  It has increased family diversity.
• How can friendship groups be viewed in the context of family diversity?

  Friendship groups can be constructed and seen as families.
• How do postmodernists view family diversity compared to the New Right?

  Postmodernists see diversity as a good thing, unlike the New Right.
• What choices do women have in postmodern societies regarding family structures?

  Women can choose to be single or become a lone parent.
• What does Giddens argue about same-sex relationships?

  Same-sex relationships lead to new family types and more democratic relationships.
• What does Giddens mean by 'riskier' relationships in late modern societies?

  Relationships are more unstable as they depend on individual needs being met.
• What happens to relationships when individual pleasure is not gained in late modern societies?

  Relationships can quickly end as new choices can be made without fear of stigma.
• What does the personal life perspective claim about the individualisation thesis?

  The individualisation thesis exaggerates how much choice people have about family relationships.
• What example does the personal life perspective provide regarding arranged marriages?

  Some people are forced into arranged marriages.
• What do supporters of the personal life perspective argue about traditional norms?

  Traditional norms that limit relationship choices have not weakened as much as claimed.
• How does the personal life perspective view individuals in relation to their choices?

  It argues that individuals are not 'free-floating' and are influenced by social contexts.
• What structural factors does the individualisation thesis ignore according to the personal life perspective?

  It ignores social class inequalities and patriarchal gender norms.
• What does the individualisation thesis argue about choice in determining life courses?


  We have much more choice to determine our life course than in the past.
• What example illustrates the increased choice in family structures?

  Couples can choose to have children outside of marriage.
• What does Giddens mean by a 'pure relationship'?

  A relationship that exists to satisfy each partner's needs and offers equality.
• How does the shift towards 'pure relationships' affect family diversity?

  It results in more fragile relationships and greater family diversity.
• What does Beck (1992) argue about family structures in a 'risk' society?

  We are less influenced by tradition and more by choice, leading to negotiated families.
• What is a characteristic of negotiated families according to Beck?

  They seek to meet individual family member needs based on equality.
• What does Beck point out about the stability of negotiated families?


  Negotiated families are more unstable as people feel free to leave if their needs are not met.
• What does the personal life perspective criticize about the individualisation thesis?

  It exaggerates the extent of individual choice in relationships.
• What does Smart (2007) argue about our choices in relationships?

  Our choices are made within a web of connectedness and existing relationships.
• What did Finch and Mason's (1993) study reveal about extended families?

  Individuals negotiate relationships but are also embedded within family connections that restrict freedom of choice.
• How does the connectedness thesis challenge the idea of a 'pure relationship'?

  It emphasizes that families consist of more than just couples and relationships cannot simply end.
• What role do class and gender structures play in relationship choices according to the connectedness thesis?

  They can limit our choices about the types of relationships and families we can create.
• What does May (2013) argue about structural forces like class and gender?

  They are not disappearing but are being reshaped.
• How does May (2013) describe women's opportunities in relation to traditional expectations?

  Women can pursue traditionally 'masculine' goals but are still expected to be heterosexual.
• What does the personal life perspective emphasize about family diversity?

  Family diversity exists but is constrained by structural factors such as class and gender.
• How does the personal life perspective view the changes in the standard family course since the 1960s?

  It recognizes changes due to more choice and fluidity but acknowledges significant constraining forces.
• What does the conclusion state about family diversity in late modern society?

  Family diversity is present due to changing social attitudes, secularisation, and choice.
• What does the conclusion suggest about the cereal packet nuclear family?

  It remains a common aspiration despite changes in family patterns.
• How are reconstituted families and same-sex families described in the conclusion?

  They are still 'nuclear' in nature despite their diversity.
• What are the main theoretical views on family diversity discussed in the study material?

  • Postmodernism
  • Individualisation thesis
  • Personal life perspective
• What are the key criticisms of the individualisation thesis according to the personal life perspective?

  • Exaggerates individual choice
  • Ignores social context
  • Overlooks structural factors like class and gender
• What are the factors contributing to family diversity in late modern society?

  • Changing social attitudes
  • Secularisation
  • Increased choice
  • Structural constraints
• What are some examples of family types that illustrate family diversity?

  • Lone parents
  • Same-sex families
  • Reconstituted families
  • Singletons
• What are the implications of the connectedness thesis for understanding family relationships?

  • Relationships are influenced by existing connections
  • Choices are made within a social context
  • Family ties persist even after separation