Paper 1 Section B - Topic 9 = Postmodernism and the Family

There is increased family diversity and the emergence of the postmodern family = BERNARDES

BERNARDES = Contemporary families are characterised by diversity, fluidity, choice and ambivalence. There is no longer a single dominant family type, instead individuals construct relationships which suit their needs. We are no longer bound by traditional norm surrounding gender, sexuality or marriage which leads to varied living arrangements.

STACEY - Study on Pam and Dotty they rejected the traditional nuclear family after experiencing an unsatisfying or abusive marriage. They reshaped their lives after becoming more educated. They created new family structures with redefined roles. Stacey highlights that none of their daughters lived in conventional marriages either moving towards more democratic and self defined family forms.

Family relationships are changing due to individuals prioritising themselves = GIDDENS

CONFLUENT LOVE - He argues that people now only engage in relationships based on emotional intimacy, mutual satisfaction and equality what he calls confluent love. Relationships are now more fluid and are only sustained so long as both partners gain satisfaction = frequent changes in relationship structures,

REFLEXIVITY = We constantly question what we are doing in life and the possibility of an alternative, Means we have greater choice about our lives and how we construct our domestic arrangements.

Increased family diversity through the changing mindsets of individuals = BECK & BECK GERNSHEIM

RISK SOCIETY - We as a society have developed a mindset in which we avoid risk. The commitment of marriage or having children is too much to some so they opt for less risky relationship structures such as cohabiting, LAT’S or simply staying single. They argue we have to keep making choices and we do so thinking about which possesses the least risk

INDIVIDUALISATION = We are no longer tied to fixed roles or identities as we were in the past. Heterosexuality and lifelong marriage is no longer necessarily the norm. Explains the fluidity of relationships as individuals move in and out of relationships and family’s depending on what suits them best as an individual . Resulted in families becoming fragmented as self absorbed individuals seek their own fulfilment.

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