post modernism

• Giddens: Choice & Equality


  Giddens argues that the family has been transformed by greater choice and a more equal relationship between men and women.
• beck - risk society

  he argues that we now live in a ‘risk society’ where tradition has less influence and people have more choice. Because of this, we have to weigh up the risk of our choices. New ‘Risk’ Society has led to an end of the ‘nuclear’ family with its stereotypical roles
• the individuation

  Giddens and Beck highlight the importance of INDIVIDUAL CHOICE, hence the ‘individuation thesis’. However today we have much more flexibility in our own choices, due to reduced expectations
• stacey-

  Stacey argues that greater choice in today's society has benefited women. It has enabled them to free themselves from oppression from males.
• diversity

  functionalism and new right- believe there is only one correct type of family. they see other families as unnatural. new right believe lone parent families are the cause of deviance.
• divercity

  in favour- post modernists and feminists; in favour of family diversity as it brings personal freedom and are no longer fixed on a family norm. it enables women to liberate themselves from the opression of men.