Perspectives on Family Diversity

• What did Rapaport and Rapaport state about family types in the UK?

  Family types are diverse; nuclear is not the norm
• What does increasing diversity of family structure indicate according to Rapaport and Rapaport?

  It shows greater social freedom and cultural acceptance
• How does the diversity of family structures reflect societal changes in the UK?

  It reflects greater social freedom and acceptance
• What are the implications of diverse family structures in the UK according to Rapaport and Rapaport?

  • Indicates social freedom
  • Reflects acceptance of different cultures
  • Challenges traditional family norms
• What is the main focus of the study material?

  Evaluating the view that the nuclear family is in decline
• What do some commentators argue about family diversity?

  It has been exaggerated
• Who is Robert Chester?

  A sociologist who studied family diversity
• What does Chester recognize about family diversity?

  There has been some increased family diversity
• How does Chester view the significance of family diversity?

  He does not see it as very significant
• What is the 'neo-conventional' family according to Chester?

  A dual-earner family where both spouses work
• What type of family does Chester argue is still the ideal?

  The nuclear family
• What patterns does Chester identify to support his view?

  Most children are reared by two parents
• What percentage of marriages continue until death according to Chester?

  Most marriages
• What does Chester say about cohabitation?

  It is often a temporary phase before marriage
• Which ethnic groups are likely to live in nuclear family households?

  Pakistani and Bangladeshi families
• What does Pat Thane challenge about the nuclear family?

  The idea that it was ever the 'norm'
• What historical perspective does Thane provide on family diversity?

  Family diversity was the norm before WWII
• What does Thane say about marriage rates after WWII?

  They were abnormally high
• What percentage of women did not marry in the 1930s?

  15 percent
• What percentage of men did not marry in the 1930s?

  9 percent
• What was common in early 18th century marriages?

  24 percent ended by partner's death
• How does Thane's view differ from Chester's regarding family diversity?

  Thane sees diversity as historically normal
• What is Robert Chester's main argument about family diversity?

  It is not very significant
• What does Chester mean by 'segregated conjugal roles'?

  Traditional roles of male breadwinner and female homemaker
• How does Chester's view of the nuclear family differ from that of the New Right?

  Chester sees diversity as not negative
• What percentage of couples are unmarried and cohabiting?

  21 percent
• What percentage of separated families involving children are from unmarried, cohabiting couples?

  51 percent
• What does the statistic about unmarried, cohabiting couples suggest about their stability?

  They are unstable compared to married couples
• What is the source of the statistics regarding unmarried, cohabiting couples?

  Benson, 2017