The Rapoports (1982) - 5 types of family diversity (CLOGS)

Importance of diversity in British society

• Diversity is central in understanding British society

  • Diversity is positive as is a response to different needs and wishes (not abnormal/deviant as NR believe)

• We’ve moved away from the dominance of the PNF and towards a range of family types

• Families have adapted to a pluralistic society where cultures and lifestyles are more diverse

  • This reflects increasing freedom of choice and widespread acceptance of different cultures and ways of life

Cultural diversity

• There are cultural, religious and ethnic differences in family structure

  • E.g. matrifocal African-Caribbean families

  • Extended Asian families

Life-stage diversity

• Family structures differ across the lifecycle

  • Young newlyweds

  • Couples with dependent children

  • Retired couples with adult children

  • Widows living alone

Organisational diversity

• Family roles may be organised differently and this causes a difference in family structure

  • Joint conjugal families with 2 earners

  • Segregated conjugal families with 1 earner

Generational diversity

• Age affects attitudes towards and experiences of family structures

  • Reflection of historical periods in which each member has lived

• E.g. views about morality of divorce or cohabitation

Social class diversity

• Income differences between households of different classes result in differences in family structure

• Class differences in child-rearing practices