SOCIOLOGY PAPER 2 - family diversity

parsons (functionalism)

Parsons states that family diversity has increased, and there as been a shift away from the traditional nuclear family. Nowadays, it is more common for reconstituted, lone-parent and cohabiting families to exist

the new right

believe that the nuclear family is the only ‘natural’ family type. Other family types produce social problems (Eg. lone parent families lead to a dependency culture). Generous welfare benefits have encouraged such deviant family types.

the rapoports

The Rapoports believe we have moved away from the nuclear family into a range of different family types. Unlike New Right, Rapports see diversity as a positive response to people's needs and wishes

postmodernism - giddens

Giddens believes that Society has become ‘disembedded’ from traditional family structures, leaving us free to choose how we live our lives. This has led to the ‘pure relationship’ - one that exists solely to satisfy each partner's needs.