Changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, divorce, etc

Rapoport and Rapoport

Family diversity is the norm in modern society, with five types: organisational, cultural, social class, life-stage, and generational.

Chester

Acknowledges increased diversity but the nuclear family remains dominant. Most people live in nuclear households at some point in life (neo-conventional family).

Smart

Personal life is shaped by choices and meanings. Family relationships should be studied based on emotional significance, not rigid structures.

Morgan

Family should be defined through everyday practices, not family structure; it is fluid and flexible.

Thane

Divorce has always existed but has become more accessible and socially acceptable in modern times.

Fletcher

Higher divorce rates reflect higher expectations of marriage as people want emotional fulfillment and personal happiness

Weeks

Acceptance of same-sex couples has increased. Many form stable partnerships similar to heterosexual families.

Cheal

Family life is fragmented and diverse. Families are now based on choice and negotiation.

Modood

South Asians are more likely to marry and less likely to divorce than white British people, due to religious and cultural values.

Bhatti

Izzat (family honour) is important in Asian families, causing stricter control over daughters and stronger family commitments.

Berthoud

Caribbean families in the UK are more likely to be lone-parent households and cohabit rather than marry, reflecting cultural norms.

What are some key trends in marriage in the UK?

Fewer people marrying

What are some key trends in cohabitation in the UK?

Significant increase since the 1970s

What are some reasons for the increase in divorce rates?

Legal changes (e.g., 1969 Divorce Reform Act), open social attitudes, women’s independance

What is one criticism of rising divorce from a New Right perspective?

The New Right argue it undermines the traditional family, harms children, and leads to welfare dependency.