Review Sociology of Childhood Social construction of childhood

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Review – Sociology of Childhood Social construction of childhood Has the position of children

Review – Sociology of Childhood Social construction of childhood Has the position of children improved or got worse? The future of childhood

Revision • Paper 1 Education and MIC. • Paper 2 Family and Research Methods.

Revision • Paper 1 Education and MIC. • Paper 2 Family and Research Methods. Pairs – What are you doing for revision? What works?

2016 Budget. • All schools to become Academies. Using your knowledge of Sociology of

2016 Budget. • All schools to become Academies. Using your knowledge of Sociology of Education. Where does this idea come from? Is it a good idea or bad idea? Who might win and lose?

Topic 2: Changing Patterns Changing patterns of marriage, • cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and

Topic 2: Changing Patterns Changing patterns of marriage, • cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course, including the sociology of personal life, and the diversity of contemporary family and household structures • An understanding of the trends in contemporary family and household structures, eg symmetrical family, beanpole families, matrifocal families, serial monogamy, lone-parent families, house husbands, living apart together, same sex couples etc. Chester, Giddens, Rapoports Different sociological explanations for the reasons and significance of these trends. Weeks, Chester, Stacey • Including the significance of individual choice in personal relationships and the significance of relationships beyond the traditional family structures. May, Smart, Stacey

Changing patterns of family life. Debates surrounding family diversity. 1. What have been the

Changing patterns of family life. Debates surrounding family diversity. 1. What have been the main changes in the last 40 years? 1. Does family diversity exist? 2. Reasons for these changes? 2. Is it a good thing? OR a bad thing? 3. Implications for these changes? 3. What would different sociological approaches say?

Starter: Continuum Do you think the last 20 years our family relationships have witnessed

Starter: Continuum Do you think the last 20 years our family relationships have witnessed Continuity 1 Radical Change 10 Activity 1: Analyse the social trends in the graphs

Changes in the Patterns of Family Life

Changes in the Patterns of Family Life

Marriages

Marriages

Cohabitation ons (2007)

Cohabitation ons (2007)

Cohabitation

Cohabitation

Families and Households ONS 2011

Families and Households ONS 2011

Same-Sex Relationships

Same-Sex Relationships

Lone Parents with Dependent Children ONS 2011

Lone Parents with Dependent Children ONS 2011

One Person Households ONS

One Person Households ONS

Remarriage Social Trends 2011

Remarriage Social Trends 2011

Family Types UK Social Trends 2011

Family Types UK Social Trends 2011

Family Type and Children Social Trends 2010

Family Type and Children Social Trends 2010

Introduction In the past 30 or 40 years there have been some major changes

Introduction In the past 30 or 40 years there have been some major changes in family and household patterns: ◦ Number of nuclear family households has fallen ◦ Divorce rates have increased ◦ Fewer first marriages, more re-marriages and people are marrying later in life ◦ More couples cohabiting ◦ Same-sex relationships legally recognised ◦ Women having fewer children/having them later ◦ More births outside of marriage ◦ More lone-parent families ◦ More people live alone ◦ More stepfamilies ◦ More couples without children

Change or continuity? Methodological point. Does it depend on how you measure it? Consider

Change or continuity? Methodological point. Does it depend on how you measure it? Consider the use of snapshot data from the Census Vs the use of life-span data.

Main changes Divorce Marriage Re-marriage Separation Cohabitation Childbearing The life course

Main changes Divorce Marriage Re-marriage Separation Cohabitation Childbearing The life course

Life course • Sequence of significant events individuals experience from birth to death, the

Life course • Sequence of significant events individuals experience from birth to death, the choices they make and the meanings they give to stages of their lives and events such as marriage or cohabitation, parenthood, divorce or retirement.

Life course A traditional life course. A contemporary life course. Childhood Education Marriage (living

Life course A traditional life course. A contemporary life course. Childhood Education Marriage (living together, having sex, having children) Cereal-Packet Family Retirement Marriage is no longer for life. Cohabitation Sex outside marriage Living Apart Together Diversity to our personal relationships.

The Individualization Thesis Process where traditional norms, beliefs, social relationships and roles lose their

The Individualization Thesis Process where traditional norms, beliefs, social relationships and roles lose their influence over the lives of others. • More personal choice on how to live your life. • Contraception has separated reproduction from sexuality. • Women’s employment has reduced their economic dependence on men. • Feminism – women want more than expressive roles. • Language of family has changed – we do not necessarily share the same family name, we refer to our partners.

Giddens: Confluent Love and ‘Pure Relationships’ Landscape of love is changing. Marriage is not

Giddens: Confluent Love and ‘Pure Relationships’ Landscape of love is changing. Marriage is not a life-long commitment. • Confluent love is active and conditional. We marry for love and not necessarily for life. • Intimate relationships are based on trust, emotional intimacy and mutual understanding. Pure relationships are not necessarily forever and are controlled by external forces e. g. family, social expectations. • People choose to stay together if the relationship meets their emotional and sexual needs.

All You Need Is Love Giddens – the growing diversity of family relationships is

All You Need Is Love Giddens – the growing diversity of family relationships is fuelled by individuals endless search for love and pure relationships. “People marry for the sake of love, divorce for the sake of love and engage in an endless cycle of hoping, regretting and trying again”

Critique of Individualization Thesis L Exaggeration? Are we cut free from family and societal

Critique of Individualization Thesis L Exaggeration? Are we cut free from family and societal expectations? L Do we all have as much personal choice as suggested? L Evidence? L People living slightly different lifestyles – more equality in gender relationships, some cohabitation and same sex relationships but the basic infrastructure of family life remains. L Does individualisation thesis only ‘fit’ a small section of white, heterosexual, middle-class couples and ignores the impact of class, gender and ethnicity? L Same-sex relationships would not be acceptable in all communities.

Divorce • Is the legal end or dissolution of a marriage/marital union

Divorce • Is the legal end or dissolution of a marriage/marital union

Divorce is only one indicator of marital breakdown. . . 1. 2. 3. Legal

Divorce is only one indicator of marital breakdown. . . 1. 2. 3. Legal separation: The partners separate, but the marriage continues to exist. There are no reliable statistics available, as not all separations are formal, and recorded. Desertion: One partner leaves the family. Again, reliable figures unobtainable, but Chester (1975) argues both separation and desertion are increasing. Empty shell marriage: The couple live together but there is no love or affection Methodological point. We should be cautious about the usefulness of divorce statistics. They only show legal separation. The rates of real separation may be much higher. How many unhappy marriages existed before divorce was made easier? Are we witnessing a real increase in marital instability?

Task: Reasons for the increase in the divorce rate Brainstorm the above point

Task: Reasons for the increase in the divorce rate Brainstorm the above point

Legal changes • Divorce is now cheaper and easier to get. • 1971 Divorce

Legal changes • Divorce is now cheaper and easier to get. • 1971 Divorce Reform Act – No longer needed to prove a matrimonial offence. ‘Irretrievable breakdown’ – 2 years of separation. • 1981 Act – only needed 1 year of separation. • 1999 Act – cooling off period and compulsory counselling. • 2011 Act – mediation should be used to sort out disputes to speed up process.

Rising expectations of marriage Couples expect more from their marriages. Giddens – Confluent love

Rising expectations of marriage Couples expect more from their marriages. Giddens – Confluent love and pure relationships. However - Functionalists – high rates of remarriage suggest marriage is still popular. High levels of divorce are functional as you are left with better quality relationships.

Changes in the position of women • Impact of feminism – women’s expectations of

Changes in the position of women • Impact of feminism – women’s expectations of life and relationships has changed. • Reject housewife-mother role. • Increase in women’s employment • Women are financially independent However – dual burden, triple shift, the debate over symmetrical families – maybe not as much change as suggested.

Less stigma • Less social disapproval and condemnation of divorce. • Divorce has become

Less stigma • Less social disapproval and condemnation of divorce. • Divorce has become a normal experience. • No longer hinders careers or causes scandal and outrage. • People are less afraid of seeking a divorce. • However – divorce still less acceptable in some communities e. g. catholicism.

Growing secularisation • Secularisation - declining influence of religious belief and institutions. • Marriage

Growing secularisation • Secularisation - declining influence of religious belief and institutions. • Marriage is less of a sacred, spiritual union and more of a personal and practical commitment which can be abandoned if it fails. • Less 1/3 marriages take place with a religious ceremony. • However, secularisation is a contested concept.

Variations in Divorce Rates Following groups have higher rates of divorce: • Men and

Variations in Divorce Rates Following groups have higher rates of divorce: • Men and women in their late 20 s. • Teenage marriages. • Marriages of 5 -7 years and 10 – 14 years. • Working classes. • Childless couples • Partners from different religious or ethnic backgrounds.

To start. . . • A ‘Dear John’ letter is a term that used

To start. . . • A ‘Dear John’ letter is a term that used to be given to the letters than women would leave their partners when they wanted to divorce them. • Write a Dear John letter that exhibits one of the sociological explanations for the rise in the divorce rate. • Dear John, I’m leaving you because. . .

Changes in the law Changes in the position of women Reasons for the increase

Changes in the law Changes in the position of women Reasons for the increase of divorce Rising expectations of marriage Declining stigma and changing attitudes Secularisation

http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=q 0 bgy 7 T_Sc s

http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=q 0 bgy 7 T_Sc s

Talking to children about divorce http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ZTda. Eu. D_pw

Talking to children about divorce http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ZTda. Eu. D_pw

Divorce • How is the concept of child-centredness reinforced or otherwise in this programme?

Divorce • How is the concept of child-centredness reinforced or otherwise in this programme? • What other factors must be taken into account when looking at the consequences of divorce? E. g. economic factors

Perspectives on divorce. . . Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right

Perspectives on divorce. . . Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right

Perspectives on high divorce rate Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right Not necessarily a bad

Perspectives on high divorce rate Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right Not necessarily a bad thing – people have high expectations of marriage and high rates of remarriage prove it is still functional. Desirable – women breaking the oppression of the patriarchal nuclear family Desirable – give individuals the right to choose their own relationships. Will produce greater family diversity. Undesirable – undermined traditional family structures. Creates an underclass of lone parents

Remember that the divorce rate only applies to the number of divorces per 1000

Remember that the divorce rate only applies to the number of divorces per 1000 married people. The actual number of divorces is incidental.

Question: • What % of divorce petitions are made by women? (Ie, what %

Question: • What % of divorce petitions are made by women? (Ie, what % of divorces are initiated by women? ) 75%

Task: Examine sociological explanations for the rise in the divorce rate (24)

Task: Examine sociological explanations for the rise in the divorce rate (24)

Suggest 3 reasons for the increase in the divorce rate since 1900 (6 marks)

Suggest 3 reasons for the increase in the divorce rate since 1900 (6 marks) Remember: It is not enough to just suggest the reason, elaborate

Changes in the law Changes in the position of women Rising expectations of marriage

Changes in the law Changes in the position of women Rising expectations of marriage Reasons for the increase of divorce Declining stigma and changing attitudes Secularisation

Changing Patterns of Marriage and Partnership

Changing Patterns of Marriage and Partnership

Describe the patterns found in this graph

Describe the patterns found in this graph

What do these terms mean again? • Serial monogamy • Marriage • Cohabitation Serial

What do these terms mean again? • Serial monogamy • Marriage • Cohabitation Serial monogamy – when a person has a series of serious relationships, often made official through marriage, and often then leading to divorce and remarriage. Marriage – the legal joining of two people. A legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically and emotionally. Cohabitation - when a couple live together but are not married

Marriage & Cohabitation: The Facts • • • Fewer people are getting married in

Marriage & Cohabitation: The Facts • • • Fewer people are getting married in the UK 1 in 3 of marriages are re-marriages. Those who do marry are putting it off (30+) Cohabitation on the increase (doubled 1996 – 2012) 4/5 of those who marry cohabit first 2014 – 15% of all families with dependent children are from cohabitation.

Rise in cohabitation: What does it mean? A causal relationship, temporary, informal? An alternative

Rise in cohabitation: What does it mean? A causal relationship, temporary, informal? An alternative to marriage Stable and committed? A trial marriage?

Reasons for changes? Impact of feminism Changing social attitudes – less stigma Rising divorce

Reasons for changes? Impact of feminism Changing social attitudes – less stigma Rising divorce rate (puts some people off) Secularisation Reducing risk

Essay Title Examine the changing patterns of marriage and partnership since the 1960’s (20

Essay Title Examine the changing patterns of marriage and partnership since the 1960’s (20 marks)

Perspectives on marriage and cohabitation. . . Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right

Perspectives on marriage and cohabitation. . . Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right

Living Apart Together relationships “Couples in intimate, committed relationships but who do not share

Living Apart Together relationships “Couples in intimate, committed relationships but who do not share a common home. Choose to live separately” • 2 million couples in the UK.

LATs – Why? • High divorce rates – LATs a practical response to a

LATs – Why? • High divorce rates – LATs a practical response to a broken relationship. • Growth of individualisation and choice. • Changes in labour market. • Modern technology – couples can stay connected.

LATs – Meaning? Challenges our ideas about family A clear alternative to traditional marriage

LATs – Meaning? Challenges our ideas about family A clear alternative to traditional marriage Pure relationship – you share intimacy and retain individuality Reduce risk – LATs have no baggage of practical, legal and financial commitments

Perspectives on LATs. . . Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right

Perspectives on LATs. . . Functionalists Feminists Postmodernists New Right

Childbearing

Childbearing

Birth rate = The number of live births per 1000 of the population Fertility

Birth rate = The number of live births per 1000 of the population Fertility rate = Number of children born per 1000 women aged 15 to 44. This figure refers to the number of children that women of child-bearing age have in a year.

Childbearing and family size • In the 1870’s women would have on average 6

Childbearing and family size • In the 1870’s women would have on average 6 children. • In the 1960’s the average was 2. 7 children. • Today the average is 2, but was 1. 6 in 2001 • In the 1970’s most women had their first child in their mid 20’s. • Today, it is nearer 30. • Also, today, an increasing number of children are now born to unmarried couples.

Decline of the Birth Rate: Why are women having fewer children?

Decline of the Birth Rate: Why are women having fewer children?

Decline of the Birth Rate: Why are women having fewer children? 1. The decline

Decline of the Birth Rate: Why are women having fewer children? 1. The decline of infant mortality rate. Most children survive into adulthood. 2. The introduction of reliable contraception in the 1960’s (especially the pill) 3. The increased expense of children 4. Women are having children later, leaving less time to have children. 5. The impact of feminism, and women prioritising their careers. 6. Child centeredness

Why are more children born outside of marriage? 1. The increase in the number

Why are more children born outside of marriage? 1. The increase in the number of people cohabiting. 2. Couples are less stigmatised (looked down upon) for having children outside of marriage. 3. Secularisation – People are less influenced by religion and are more likely to have sex outside of marriage.

http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Qjekxe 8 zj. F w&feature=channel Who would agree with the

http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Qjekxe 8 zj. F w&feature=channel Who would agree with the sentiments expressed at the start of this clip?

Lone Parenthood: The Facts • % has tripled since 1971. • 1 in 4

Lone Parenthood: The Facts • % has tripled since 1971. • 1 in 4 families are lone parent families. • 9 out of 10 headed by a woman. Why are most headed by a woman? Divorce courts more likely to award custody to the mother, the assumption that women are better carers.

Lone parenthood: why on the rise? Women’s employment Changing social attitudes – less stigma

Lone parenthood: why on the rise? Women’s employment Changing social attitudes – less stigma Reproductive technology Economic independence Fewer shotgun weddings – changing attitudes towards sex and marriage

http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=D 3 k. IYDojk_ k

http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=D 3 k. IYDojk_ k

Which sociological perspectives would take issue with single mothers and why? • Have a

Which sociological perspectives would take issue with single mothers and why? • Have a two minute discussion with your table and be prepared to feedback. • Be sure to be able to explain why. . . using appropriate key terms.

The New Right Murray: Single parenthood creates an anti-social underclass of benefit claimers. Functionalists

The New Right Murray: Single parenthood creates an anti-social underclass of benefit claimers. Functionalists The Nuclear family is ideal, second best option is a reconstituted family so instrumental/expressive roles and needs are met Feminists All Feminists promote choice for women and dislike the stigmatization of single parents. Radical Feminists favour matrifocal families (female centred). Postmodernists They promote choice too. Sometimes, single parent families offer more independence.

Task: • Read through the section titled: ‘Lone parenthood, the welfare state. . .

Task: • Read through the section titled: ‘Lone parenthood, the welfare state. . . ’ • Create a detailed PERCy paragraph (like my example earlier) that address this question: ‘Examine the New Right approach to lone parent families’ Think about: Key terms, theorist, clarity, critique

Remarriage and Reconstituted families • 1 in 3 marriages are re-marriages for one or

Remarriage and Reconstituted families • 1 in 3 marriages are re-marriages for one or both partners. • More men remarry than women. • Trend towards serial monogamy. • ½ million step families in the UK. • Life in stepfamilies is complex. • The role of the step parent is often unclear.

Keyword for today. . . Beanpole families

Keyword for today. . . Beanpole families

Beanpole families. . . • Are families with one or two children that maintain

Beanpole families. . . • Are families with one or two children that maintain regular contact with grandparents. • As the family size shrinks, the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren become more intense.

How are beanpole families created? �Fewer children being born (more precious) �Longer life expectancy

How are beanpole families created? �Fewer children being born (more precious) �Longer life expectancy – grandparents also used as babysitters. �More divorce – means possible extended family contacts are lost (aunties, cousins etc) �Families are more geographically mobile (move around)

Read through the sheet. . . Answer these questions: 1. What do Grundy and

Read through the sheet. . . Answer these questions: 1. What do Grundy and Henretta mean by the sandwich generation? 2. Why are this ‘generation’ predominantly women? 3. How would feminists react to this? Those of you that really know your stuff (A chasers) might be able to explain how the different types of feminists might respond (liberal, radical and Marxist)

January 2011 Question Examine the reasons for changes in the patterns of marriage and

January 2011 Question Examine the reasons for changes in the patterns of marriage and cohabitation in the last 40 years or so (20 marks)

Plenary: Plan me Home learning • Examine sociological explanations for the rise in the

Plenary: Plan me Home learning • Examine sociological explanations for the rise in the divorce rate (20 marks)

Family Diversity

Family Diversity

Gay Parents better than straight? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=s. CNd. HXv 7 p.

Gay Parents better than straight? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=s. CNd. HXv 7 p. C 0 http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=_H 7 JD 3 KKz. FE http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=7 sfr 3 Nr 9 Jyc

Family Diversity What does it mean? Who discusses it? Good idea or a Bad

Family Diversity What does it mean? Who discusses it? Good idea or a Bad idea?

AGE ETHNICITY/CULTURAL CLASS GENDER (SAME SEX PARTNERSHIPS/FAMILIES) ROLES SIZE FAMILY TYPES RELATIONSHIPS LENGTH OF

AGE ETHNICITY/CULTURAL CLASS GENDER (SAME SEX PARTNERSHIPS/FAMILIES) ROLES SIZE FAMILY TYPES RELATIONSHIPS LENGTH OF PARTNERSHIP

When most people think of the term ‘family’ we stereotypically have an image of

When most people think of the term ‘family’ we stereotypically have an image of a nuclear family of 2 parents, 2 kids and perhaps a pet. . . even if we have not come from these families • It’s best to think of family diversity as anything that deviates from that image or between cultures.

New Right • The family is ‘in decline’ – cohabitation, divorce and out of

New Right • The family is ‘in decline’ – cohabitation, divorce and out of wedlock births are signs • Traditional nuclear/2 parent household is the most ideal • Lack of male role model in lone parent families might mean that children (especially boys) are inadequately socialised, might turn to crime/deviance– and they too will not correctly socialise their children. • Parents (espec father) who do not work and claim benefits/welfare likely to breed a culture of dependency – their children see it is ok not to work and pass this on to their children. • State benefits often favour those that are not married – they believe lone parent benefits are offer a ‘perverse incentive’ that encourage single parenting. • Anti-feminist

 • New Right theorists are therefore keen on government policies that strengthen selfreliance

• New Right theorists are therefore keen on government policies that strengthen selfreliance for the traditional two-parent family. • Murray argues that the UK is developing an underclass which is associated with crime, unemployment, and educational failure. • This is because of the generosity of the welfare state, which provides handouts in the form of benefits and housing to single parents. He calls these ‘perverse incentives’.

Task: • Complete the New Right sheet • Then, using the paper and pens,

Task: • Complete the New Right sheet • Then, using the paper and pens, create a guide that explain the following points: The New Right love. . . The New Right hate. . .

New Right key terms Underclass Perverse incentives Dependency culture / culture of dependency

New Right key terms Underclass Perverse incentives Dependency culture / culture of dependency

Stage 1 • You need to gather all of the facts within this article.

Stage 1 • You need to gather all of the facts within this article. • Make no judgements, just pick out the key information.

Stage 2 • What are the personal responses of your group? • How do

Stage 2 • What are the personal responses of your group? • How do you feel about this issue? • Do any of you agree or disagree?

Stage 3 • Can you criticise the author? • Are there any flaws in

Stage 3 • Can you criticise the author? • Are there any flaws in her argument or negatives? • Is there anything she had failed to consider?

Stage 4 • What are the positive aspects of this article or this debate?

Stage 4 • What are the positive aspects of this article or this debate? • What points might be made in agreement?

Stage 5 • What would the major sociological perspectives have to say about Phillips’

Stage 5 • What would the major sociological perspectives have to say about Phillips’ views?

Stage 6 • What would Phillips’ solution to these problems be? • Try and

Stage 6 • What would Phillips’ solution to these problems be? • Try and make a prediction about what she thinks should be done to prevent riots like this and other forms of societal ‘breakdown’ in the future.

Riots? Poor Parenting or Sick Society? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=V 4 rq. Ip.

Riots? Poor Parenting or Sick Society? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=V 4 rq. Ip. Bx. YU

Task: Criticisms of the New Right I want you to have a think about

Task: Criticisms of the New Right I want you to have a think about the New Right and how they can be critiqued. • Think about direct criticisms of their theories (why you might agree/disagree with them) • Then think about how the criticisms that other sociological perspectives might make.

New Right and Family Diversity Task: Write up this perspective in a PERC format.

New Right and Family Diversity Task: Write up this perspective in a PERC format.

Who agrees/disagrees with diversity? Diversity is good Diversity is bad Postmodernists New Right Feminists

Who agrees/disagrees with diversity? Diversity is good Diversity is bad Postmodernists New Right Feminists Functionalists Why?

Developing AO 2 skills ‘The perfect family does exist’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=a

Developing AO 2 skills ‘The perfect family does exist’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=a 5 Zs. Itk. G 7 Sk Hate Mail Task. 1. My personal response is. . 2. A counter view would be … 3. Agree with point above and explain a sociological theory that supports it. 4. Counter argue the point above with an alternative sociological view.

Chester (1985): The Neo-Conventional Family • Support for Functionalist views about the traditional family

Chester (1985): The Neo-Conventional Family • Support for Functionalist views about the traditional family structure. • Chester agrees that there has been some family diversity over the years, but disagrees with the NR in saying that the family is in decline. • He says that the only major change has been from the conventional nuclear family (with instrumental and expressive roles) to the Neo. Conventional family – where both spouses go out an work.

 • Chester believes that people are not choosing to live in alternative family

• Chester believes that people are not choosing to live in alternative family structures on a longterm basis (ie, lone parent) He says that the nuclear family has still remained the ideal. • Chester believes that although many people may not be in a nuclear family, they will have been at some point – ie, an elderly widow or divorcee • Statistics on households and family types are just a snapshot in time – don’t tell us about peoples life cycle.

Evidence Chester gives for his views: • Most people live in a household headed

Evidence Chester gives for his views: • Most people live in a household headed by a married couple • Most adults still marry and have children • Most marriages continue until death • Divorce has increased, but most divorcees remarry • Cohabitation has increased but it usually is a phase before marriage • Even though births outside of marriage have increased, both parents take responsibility

5 Types of Family Diversity: Rapoports • Disagree with Chester and argue that there

5 Types of Family Diversity: Rapoports • Disagree with Chester and argue that there have been key moves in family diversity • Families in Britain have adapted to a pluralistic society (a society that is cultural more diverse) • There is more freedom of choice • Diversity is a response to peoples different needs and wishes. • They identify 5 key types of family diversity in Britain today

Organisational diversity The way family role are organised are more diverse joint conjugal roles,

Organisational diversity The way family role are organised are more diverse joint conjugal roles, segregated conjugal roles, male care-giver, dual earners. Cultural diversity People from different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds have different structures: e. g. , female headed lone parent households are common amongst British-Caribbean's, extended families are more common in South Asian communities.

Social Class diversity Class differences in child-rearing practices: Sugarman – delayed and immediate gratification.

Social Class diversity Class differences in child-rearing practices: Sugarman – delayed and immediate gratification. Class can also affect family structure. Life-stage diversity Family structure is not fixed, it changes dependant on how far along you are. E. g. , newlyweds – nuclear fam – retired couple – become grandparents Generational diversity Older and younger generations have different views and attitudes about issues, ethics and morality (what is right and wrong) Do you hold the same views as your Grandparents?

Example: Cultural diversity Ideas Religion- Muslim families tend to have more children living at

Example: Cultural diversity Ideas Religion- Muslim families tend to have more children living at home. Jewish families have less children living at home. Ethnicity-Asian & Chinese are less likely to have lone-parent families. Over 45% of Black Caribbean families are lone parent. Role of women. Black Caribbean women keep working full-time after having children. White and Indian go parttime. (see Dale 2004) Berthoud+Beishan (1997) used Nat Figures for Ethnic Minorities to find that a high % of lone parent families are Black Caribbean. Bose(2003) Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets in London are finding it hard to keep old traditions alongside modern British society. Archer & Francis found family played an important part in Chinese children achieving well at school.

Family Diversity: Who said what? New Right Rapoport Underclass Chester – Neo. Conventional Family

Family Diversity: Who said what? New Right Rapoport Underclass Chester – Neo. Conventional Family Feminism

Chester Vs Rapoports: Which idea rings true for you? Class Vote.

Chester Vs Rapoports: Which idea rings true for you? Class Vote.

For nuclear family Conservatives allowing tax concession transfer from one partner to another in

For nuclear family Conservatives allowing tax concession transfer from one partner to another in married couples and civil partnerships. Murdock (1949)= studied 250 societies and found all contained nuclear family idea of husband, wife and children (own or adopted). Talcott Parsons (1955) Warm bath theory of family provides i) primary socialisation ii) stabilisation of adults New Right= nuclear family cornerstone of society. Breakdown of family leads to breakdown of society. Chester (1985) The neo-conventional family is just a minor change to the nuclear family – people still choose it over other types.

Against nuclear family Barrett+Mc. Intosh (1982)Ideology of nuclear family devalues alternative family types. They

Against nuclear family Barrett+Mc. Intosh (1982)Ideology of nuclear family devalues alternative family types. They also highlighted negatives of nuclear family. Dark side of family include: Laing(1976) psychiatrist who said family causes mental illness. Stanko (2003) domestic violence usually men against women. Marxist view = exploiting working classes. Zaretsky (1976) sees work as unfulfilling so people seek refuge in the family. Feminist view= nuclear family is patriarchal Oakley (1974)= women dependent on man for money so does more domestic tasks and has less power in the household decisions Postmodern views= (Post)Modern families are all about choice and negotiation. Society is more individualised and members put more emphasis on personal happiness (Giddens, Beck, Stacey, Weeks)

What is postmodernism? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Qqs. P 0 v. QJJ 44 http:

What is postmodernism? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Qqs. P 0 v. QJJ 44 http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=o. L 8 Mh. Yq 9 owo&feature=related

Postmodernists • Diversity is all around us – it is a fact of life

Postmodernists • Diversity is all around us – it is a fact of life • Postmodernists believe Western societies have become more individualised (focused on the self) our happiness is more important than upholding social norms. • Increased choice and options in life have led to diversity • We have such a wide variety of beliefs and values nowadays that we no longer agree on what’s ‘normal’ – diversity is a natural result of this • However, some Postmodernists believe that diversity can create uncertainty. This is because we don’t all agree on the same social norms, or we don’t have them shoved down our throat like we used to.

An example of a Postmodern TV show… http: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=2 WNrx

An example of a Postmodern TV show… http: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=2 WNrx 2 jq 184 • • • Postmodernism checklist - not definitive! Fragmented structure/non-linear narrative Challenging of meta-narrative (Lyotard and Strinati) Playing with time and space (Strinati) Conventions of genre challenged/subverted Asks questions not giving answers, allowing audience interpretation Multiplicity of meanings linked to audience interpretations Parody and pastiche – creating something new through imitation, homage (tribute) Cult of celebrity – celebrity obsessed society – style over substance No single definition – open to interpretation – concept crosses art, media, literature, architecture, music, society

What are the key features of Postmodern society? Diversity and fragmentation • Because of

What are the key features of Postmodern society? Diversity and fragmentation • Because of social, cultural and ethnic diversity – there is no dominant culture shared by all. • People pick and mix their own identities and lifestyles from a diverse range Rapid social change • Rapid technological advances have changed the way we communicate – time and space barriers have been removed. • Because of these changes and increased choices– life is much less predictable and stable. • People will end marriages and relationships if something better comes along.

Task: In groups • You will be given a theory to take apart and

Task: In groups • You will be given a theory to take apart and understand. • You must summarise the ideas/theory etc on the big paper – focusing on the questions below. 1. Why is theory postmodern? 2. How do the ideas promote diversity? 3. How do they show that families have changed over time?

Postmodernism and Family Diversity Life course analysis Giddens: Choice and Equality Beck ‘Risk Society’

Postmodernism and Family Diversity Life course analysis Giddens: Choice and Equality Beck ‘Risk Society’ Stacey ‘divorceextended’ family Weeks ‘acceptance’ Brannan Bean Pole Families Grundy & Henretta Sandwich Generation

Our own soap. . . Task: You need to demonstrate your theory to the

Our own soap. . . Task: You need to demonstrate your theory to the rest of the class. Create a short soap-opera sketch that demonstrates the ideas expressed in your research. Over-act.

If I ask her to marry me, that’s it. . . I'm tied down

If I ask her to marry me, that’s it. . . I'm tied down forever It’s been three years and he still hasn't proposed. I guess he doesn't love me. Ill break up with him in the morning “Darling, me and Daddy are breaking up. He just isn't that the man I married and he doesn't make me happy anymore. I don't feel like he’s supporting my career choices”

Postmodernists reject familial ideology • We make choices about our family life and relationships.

Postmodernists reject familial ideology • We make choices about our family life and relationships. Postmodern society is chaotic – with regards to relationships and life, anything goes. • They reject the views of Functionalists and the New Right: Do we really think about the needs of society when we embark on relationships? • More choice about our personal relationships, family diversity means it is irrelevant to talk of an ideal family

Life course analysis • These Postmodernists look at families on a personal level and

Life course analysis • These Postmodernists look at families on a personal level and their relationships with one another Morgan (2007) • Argues that today's society is becoming more fragmented – networks such as family, friendship and other relationships are becoming blurred.

Postmodern society: Pros and Cons • All this choice and diversity give people greater

Postmodern society: Pros and Cons • All this choice and diversity give people greater freedom to choice their own life course, the kind of family they want and their personal relationships. • But, greater freedom of choice means a greater risk of instability – since these relationships are more likely to break up. In the past, fear of social disapproval and financial ruin kept families together.

Giddens (1992) • Relationships have been changed by: – Contraception – sex and intimacy

Giddens (1992) • Relationships have been changed by: – Contraception – sex and intimacy become more important – Women gaining independence and equal opps – Women’s financial independence As a result of these changes, the basis of relationships, cohabitation and marriage has changed The couple define their relationship and their roles–they are together out of genuine love and intimacy, and not because of societal pressure, cultural background or expectation – PURE RELATIONSHIPS

 • Confluent love is the term Giddens give the type of relationship where

• Confluent love is the term Giddens give the type of relationship where it is agreed that they couple will split if they fall out of love. • The relationship should serve each partners needs – it is much more likely to end if the couple no longer feel attracted to one another or happy with one another • This ties in with the idea that in postmodern society, people are more individualised (selfish) They are more likely to split because they don’t make each other happy, rather than stay together because of their family

Risk Society: Beck • We now live in a risk society where tradition has

Risk Society: Beck • We now live in a risk society where tradition has less influence – we have more choice and we are more aware of risks and take these into account when making decisions. It’s been three years and he If I ask her to marry me, that’s it. . . I'm tied down forever still hasn't proposed. I guess he doesn't love me. Ill break up with him in the morning

Risk society • Because we have more choice and diversity, this has brought more

Risk society • Because we have more choice and diversity, this has brought more risk and uncertainty. • In the past clear gender roles and expectations may have been oppressive – but at least people knew where they stood. • More individualism and gender equality has lead to an increase in what Beck and Beck-Gernsheim call ‘negotiated families’ – they enter into a relationships or family on their terms, and leave on their terms too.

“Darling, me and Daddy are breaking up. He just isn't that the man I

“Darling, me and Daddy are breaking up. He just isn't that the man I married and he doesn't make me happy anymore. I don't feel like he’s supporting my career choices”

Giddens and Beck in a nutshell • • • More choice More equality The

Giddens and Beck in a nutshell • • • More choice More equality The individual is more important than community More uncertainty Less stable relationships This is reflected by that trends: Marriage is less common, divorce is more common, children born out of marriage, more cohabitation

Stacey (1998): Divorce extended family • Increased choice has benefited women • Frees them

Stacey (1998): Divorce extended family • Increased choice has benefited women • Frees them from patriarchal oppression – the family is shaped to meet their needs (trend: women having fewer children and later in life) • Stacey conducted interviews and case studies in California and found that women instigated change in the family and created structures that suited their needs • She saw the emergence of ‘divorce extended families’ who were connected through divorce and not marriage former in-laws, ex-wives of partner, step-children etc. Diverse families of choice are created according to Stacey

Brannen (2003) Beanpole families • An ‘ageing population’ - people living longer and more

Brannen (2003) Beanpole families • An ‘ageing population’ - people living longer and more divorce has contributed to the growth beanpole families • They are families with one or two children that maintain regular contact with grandparents. • As the family size shrinks, the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren become more intense.

How are beanpole families created? �Fewer children being born (more precious) �Longer life expectancy

How are beanpole families created? �Fewer children being born (more precious) �Longer life expectancy – grandparents also used as babysitters. �More divorce – means possible extended family contacts are lost (aunties, cousins etc) �Families are more geographically mobile (move around)

Grundy and Henretta: Sandwich generation (2006_ • The sandwich generation are people who care

Grundy and Henretta: Sandwich generation (2006_ • The sandwich generation are people who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children and usually Grandchildren as well. • The sandwich generation is typically women aged 55 -69

Weeks: Growing acceptance of family diversity • Weeks (2000) argues that since the 50’s

Weeks: Growing acceptance of family diversity • Weeks (2000) argues that since the 50’s attitudes have changed massively, aided by secularisation and a decline of state power. • Weeks sees a growing acceptance of family and sexual diversity – attitudes towards cohabitation and homosexuality have changed • But, Weeks says that although the diversity is apparent, traditional, heterosexual families are still the most popular.

Evidence to support Weeks’ views • Civil partnerships for same-sex partners • Gay adoption

Evidence to support Weeks’ views • Civil partnerships for same-sex partners • Gay adoption is legal in the UK, Spain, Sweden, Norway and some states in the US. • Homosexuality was legalised in the UK in 1967. • More people are ‘out’ as gay than in previous decades.

Family Diversity: Essay Questions Assess sociological explanations of the nature and extent of family

Family Diversity: Essay Questions Assess sociological explanations of the nature and extent of family diversity today? (24 marks) Assess the view that the growth of family diversity has led to the decline in the traditional family. (24 marks)

Family Diversity: Essay Questions Assess sociological explanations of the nature and extent of family

Family Diversity: Essay Questions Assess sociological explanations of the nature and extent of family diversity today? (24 marks) Assess the view that the growth of family diversity has led to the decline in the traditional family. (24 marks)