Changing patterns and family diversity

• What is the main focus of Noretta Parrott's sociology study?

  Families and households
• What are the key issues in changing family patterns?

  • Main changes in family patterns over 50 years
  • Factors responsible for these changes
  • Sociological views on family diversity
• What should you avoid when discussing the increase in divorce rates?

  Going back to the 1940s or 19th century
• What percentage of marriages now end in divorce?

  40%
• How much has the divorce rate increased over the last 50 years?

  Six times more than before
• What legal changes contributed to the increase in divorce rates?

  • Equalising grounds for divorce (1923)
  • Widening grounds for divorce (1969)
  • Introduction of legal aid (1949)
• Why might social factors be more important than legal ones in divorce rates?

  They explain why people choose to divorce
• What does stigma refer to in the context of divorce?

  A negative label associated with divorce
• How has the stigma surrounding divorce changed since the 1960s?

  It has declined rapidly
• What impact does the normalization of divorce have on society?

  It reduces the stigma associated with divorce
• What is secularization?

  Decline in the influence of religion
• According to Wilson, what is happening to religious institutions?

  They are losing influence in society
• What do functionalists like Fletcher argue about marriage expectations?

  Higher expectations lead to higher divorce rates
• How has the ideology of romantic love changed marriage?

  Marriage is now based on love, not duty
• What do functionalists believe about re-marriage rates?

  They show divorcees haven't rejected marriage
• Why do feminists criticize functionalist views on divorce?

  They highlight women's dissatisfaction with oppression
• How has women's financial independence affected divorce rates?

  Women can afford to divorce more easily
• What are feminist explanations for rising divorce rates?

  • Women's wage-earning creates marital conflict
  • Awareness of patriarchal oppression leads to divorce
  • 70% of divorce petitions come from women
• What do Beck and Giddens argue about traditional norms in late modernity?

  They lose their hold on individuals
• What is the impact of individualism on marriage?

  People pursue personal fulfillment over duty
• What are the trends in marriage today?

  • Fewer first marriages
  • More re-marriages
  • Later marriages
  • Fewer church weddings
• How many couples cohabit in England and Wales?

  1.5 million couples
• What factors contribute to the rise in cohabitation?

  Less stigma and women's economic independence
• What are the two types of cohabitation mentioned?

  Trial marriage and alternative to marriage
• How has acceptance of same-sex relationships changed?

  There is greater acceptance and legal equality
• What does Weeks argue about same-sex relationships?

  Acceptance leads to more stable relationships
• What are the characteristics of the 'beanpole' family?

  • Extended vertically through three generations
  • Does not involve horizontal connections (aunts, cousins)
  • Result of increased life expectancy and smaller family sizes
• What obligations do people feel towards their extended family?

  Many feel a sense of obligation to help
• What did Finch and Mason find about caring for relatives?

  Half their sample had cared for a sick relative
• What is the difference in expectations of care between daughters and sons?

  More is expected of daughters than sons
• What functions does the extended family continue to perform?

  • Financial help
  • Domestic support
  • Care for children and elderly
• How can you gain analysis marks in sociology?

  By showing similarities and differences in families
• What should you cover when discussing family diversity?

  • Different family types today
  • Causes of diversity
  • Relation to different sociological perspectives
• What do functionalists believe about the nuclear family?

  • It is 'natural' and suited to modern society
  • It has a division of labor between parents
  • It is the ideal family structure
• What is Chester's view on family diversity?

  • Nuclear family remains dominant
  • Change from conventional to neo-conventional family
  • Most aspire to the nuclear family
• What are Rapoport and Rapoport's five types of family diversity?

  1. Organisational diversity
  2. Cultural diversity
  3. Class diversity
  4. Life cycle diversity
  5. Generational diversity
• What do postmodernists believe about family diversity?

  It results from greater individualism and choice
• What is the individualisation thesis?

  • Individual self-interest governs actions
  • Traditional roles are less influential
  • People choose their own life course
• How has the patriarchal family changed according to Giddens?

  It has been undermined by individualism
• What is the pure relationship according to Giddens?

  It exists to satisfy each partner's needs