late modernity

• What do late modernists believe about family choices?

  People have more choice in relationships
• How do late modernists view freedom in relationships compared to postmodernists?

  They believe freedom is less than postmodernists suggest
• What did Giddens argue about family and marriage?

  They have been transformed by greater choice
• What are the three characteristics of modern relationships according to Giddens?

  Defined by choice, pure relationships, self-discovery
• What is the basis of marriage and family according to Giddens?

  • Couples define their relationship
  • Not bound by law or tradition
  • Example: Cohabitation instead of marriage
• What characterizes a 'pure relationship' according to Giddens?

  • Exists to meet partners' needs
  • Based on love, attraction, and happiness
  • Not for the sake of children
• How do relationships contribute to self-identity according to Giddens?

  • Part of self-discovery
  • Trying different relationships aids self-development
• What is a consequence of personal choice in relationships according to Giddens?

  Relationships have become less stable
• What does Beck mean by 'risk society'?

  Tradition has less influence, more choice exists
• How does Beck contrast today's society with the past?

  Today's society lacks the stable nuclear family
• What was the traditional patriarchal family structure according to Beck?

  Male as breadwinner, female as carer
• What two trends have undermined the nuclear family according to Beck?

  1. Greater gender equality
  2. Greater individualism
• How do negotiated families differ from traditional families according to Beck?

  They vary according to members' wishes
• What is the basis for entering relationships in negotiated families?

  Relationships are entered into on an equal basis
• What is the role of discussion in negotiated families?

  Couples discuss what is best for them