Late Modernism

• the key late modernist thinkers in family are Giddens and Beck.
• Giddens argues that the structures that used to control us have now weakened, giving a rise to individualisation, where people prioritise what is best for them rather than society. (e.g. people will now leave an unhappy relationship rather than stay for the kids, doing whats best for them rather than whats best for others.
• Giddens argues that individualisation has affected the family significantly. in modern times, people were focused on romantic love, but now in late modern times we are focused on confluent love (until someone better comes along). People are searching for a 'pure relationship' where your partner meets your needs, and we are free to leave if they do not. we "engage in an endless cycle of hoping, regretting and trying again."
• Beck argues that tradition no longer tells us how to live, so we have entered a risk society as we have to be more aware and reflexive of choices and potential risks. people in late modern times have to think much harder about potential risks/rewards of each choice - be risk conscious. we are more aware that marriages often end in divorce so we choose not to take the risk and this has increased family diversity as people choose less traditional and risky types.
• Beck argues we now have a negotiated family. due to individualisation and risk consciousness, people start relationships with discussions about the type of relationship bit will be and each partner's expectations. these negotiated families dont meet the traditional unequal family norms so increase family diversity
• evaluation of late modernism - Weeks and Chester argue there has been no increase in family diversity.
• evaluation of Beck - Smart (interactionist) argues people do not have completely free choice to pickb what is best for them