Family Diversity

Parsons (Functionalism)

States that family diversity has increased, with a shift away from the traditional nuclear family.

Functionalists and the New Right

Reject the idea of family diversity, arguing that the nuclear family is the only family type functional for society.

The New Right

Believes that the nuclear family is the only 'natural' family type and that other family types produce social problems.

Dependency culture

A concept where lone parent families are seen as leading to a reliance on welfare benefits.

The Rapoports

Argue that we have moved away from the nuclear family into a range of different family types.

Five types of family diversity (Rapoports)

Include organisational diversity, cultural diversity, social class diversity, life-stage diversity, and generational diversity.

Chester

States that the nuclear family remains dominant despite some increase in diversity.

Neo-conventional family

A family structure that adopts a symmetrical family structure, moving away from segregated conjugal roles.

Postmodernism (Giddens)

Believes society has become 'disembedded' from traditional family structures, allowing freedom in lifestyle choices.