Topic 6- family diversity

• What does Parsons (a Functionalist) say about family diversity?

  Parsons says that family diversity has increased, and there has been a shift away from the traditional family. Nowadays, it is more common for reconstituted, lone parent and cohabiting families to exist. However, functionalists and the new right reject this in arguing that the nuclear family is the only type that is fit for society
• What do the new right say about family diversity?


  The new right believe that the nuclear family is the only natural family type. Other family types produce social problems e.g. lone parent families lead to a dependency culture. Generous welfare benefits have encouraged such deviant family types
• What do the rapoports say about family diversity?


  The Rapoports believe we have moved away from a nuclear family into a range of different family types. Unlike the new right,the Rapoports see diversity as a positive response to peoples needs and wishes. Their 5 types of family diversity include: cultural diversity, social class diversity, life-stage diversity and generational diversity
• What does Chester say about family diversity?

  Chester states that although there has been some increase in family diversity, the nuclear family still remains dominant. There has been an important change from the conventional family (segregated conjugal roles) to the neo conventional family, which adopts a symmetrical structure
• What does Postmodernism say about family diversity?

  Giddens believes that society has become 'dis embedded' from traditional family structures, leaving us free to choose how we live our lives. This led to the pure relationship- one that exists solely to satisfy each partners needs.

  Beck states the equality and individualism have created the negotiated family which varied according to the members wants
• What does the personal life perspective say about family diversity?

  Smart believes that we are not disembedded individuals, but we make decisions about relationships within a web of connectedness