Modernists

• What family structure does Parsons (1955) argue dominates modern family structures?

  Nuclear families
• What is the 'functional fit' according to Parsons?

  Nuclear families are best suited to maintain social order and stability
• How do nuclear families contribute to geographical and social mobility?

  They allow families to move easily for job opportunities
• What does Parsons claim about the effectiveness of other family types compared to nuclear families?


  Other family types are seen as less effective in performing family functions
• What does the New Right attribute as the main cause of lone parent families?

  The collapse of relationships between cohabiting couples
• According to Murray (1984), what has led to the increase in lone parent families?


  Dependency on generous welfare benefits
• What is the New Right's view on the traditional patriarchal nuclear family?

  It is seen as ideal and biologically natural
• What do the New Right propose to encourage conventional nuclear families?

  Cutting welfare benefits and offering tax incentives to married couples
• How does Benson (2011) compare divorce rates between married couples and cohabiting couples?

  Divorce rates are much lower for married couples
• What negative consequences does the New Right associate with broken families?

  Educational failure, crime, and increased chance of family breakdown
• What do feminists argue about the nuclear family?

  It oppresses women and they favor alternatives like same-sex relationships
• What do critics argue about the link between lone parent families and educational underachievement?

  There is no causal link; poverty is the main issue
• What does Smart (2011) note about cohabitation among poorer groups?

  Cohabitation is higher among poorer groups
• How does Chester (1985) view family diversity?


  He argues it is exaggerated and most people live in nuclear families
• What type of nuclear family does Chester claim is dominant?

  A neo-conventional family where both parents work
• What does Chester suggest about people's choices regarding family types?

  Most people do not choose to live in alternatives to the nuclear family for long
• What does Chester mean by the life course in relation to family types?

  It refers to the sequence of significant events individuals experience in life
• What supporting evidence does Chester provide for his ideas?

  Statistics show cohabitation is often a temporary phase before marriage
• What do Rapoports (1982) argue about the nuclear family?


  They argue it is not dominant and that increased choice has led to widespread diversity
• What are the five types of family diversity identified by Rapoports (1982)?

  1. Organisational - joint or segregated conjugal roles
  2. Cultural - differences between ethnic groups
  3. Class - differences between social classes
  4. Life cycle - pensioner couples vs. parents with young children
  5. Generational - attitudes to cohabitation between generations
• How does feminism influence family types?

  It helps explain increases in family types that are less patriarchal
• What do radical feminists believe about cohabiting same-sex relationships?

  They see them as a way for women to escape patriarchal family structures
• How do feminists view lone parenthood?

  As a positive alternative that offers independence and control
• What percentage of divorces are initiated by women?

  65%
• What are the key arguments for and against family diversity according to the study material?

  **For Family Diversity:**

  • Offers alternatives to patriarchal structures
  • Allows for personal choice and independence
  • Reflects changing societal norms

  
  

  **Against Family Diversity:**

  • Nuclear family is seen as ideal
  • Associated with negative outcomes like educational failure
  • Viewed as a threat to social stability