Postmodernist views of the family for AQA A-level Sociology 2023/2024 updated to pass

Postmodernist views of the family for AQA A-level Sociology What is the dominant family type according to Postmodernism? - correct answer There is no dominant family type according to Postmodernism due to there being more choice in relationships and therefore leading to more diverse family structures Giddens (1992) - correct answer Contraception and women's independence have brought greater choice & equality to relationships therefore they only last as long as they continue to meet the needs of the individuals Acceptable lifestyles according to Postmodernism - correct answer Premarital sex, serial monogamy and single sex relationships are now acceptable life styles. Mens roles in postmodern society have led to - correct answer 'crisis of masculinity'. This has led men to redefine their own sexuality and family commitments. Beck and Beck-Gernsheim - correct answer Choice and diversity have led to people renegotiating their own family relationships. Therefore people try to find the middle ground between individualisation and commitment to other people. Stacey (1996) - correct answer - Family diversity is a reflection of postmodern society. There is no one family form which everyone wants or needs. - Postmodern culture is 'diverse, fluid and unresolved'. - Stacey sees this as positive as differing family forms reflect different situations. Beck (1992)- Risk Society - correct answer - People have more choice, so they are more aware of risks - because making choice involves calculating the risks of different causes of action - In the past, people had little choice - They were expected to marry and play conventional gender roles in a traditional patriarchal family - Although oppressive, this family provided stability by defining each member's role - the patriarchal family has now been undermined by: Greater gender equality Individualism: Self-interests now governs our actions Individualism - correct answer giving priority to one's own goals over group goals and defining one's identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications Fragmentation - correct answer the process or state of breaking or being broken into small or separate parts. Instability - correct answer Not constant or dependable The negotiated family (Beck) - correct answer - Equality and individualism are creating a new family type - the 'negotiated family', which is not fixed but varies according to its members' wishes - Although it is more equal than the patriarchal family, it is less stable, because: 1. There is more emphasis on individuals' needs NOT those of the family/couple 2. Individuals can leave if their needs are not met, resulting in more divorce, lone parents etc. Giddens (1992) Confluent love - correct answer This love is intimate, close and full of emotion. Relationship are based on this rather than of duty and obligation. It lasts as long as partners reach fulfilment and satisfaction. Postmodernism vs The New Right - correct answer - Postmodernists reject the New Right view that the nuclear family is the only genuine family type. They argue that: - Diversity is good because it allows people to choose relationships to meet their own needs and enables women to escape oppression - 'The family' covers many different forms - whatever arrangements those involved call a family is a family