Changing Families and Divorce: Sociological Perspectives

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to changing family dynamics and divorce as discussed in sociological theories.

Cohabitation

Living together in a long-term relationship without being married.

LATs

Living Apart Together, referring to couples in a committed relationship but living separately.

Divorce Reform Act (1969)

Legislation that made divorce easier, cheaper, and quicker.

Remarriage

Marrying again after having been divorced.

Symmetrical family

A family structure where both partners share equal roles in housework and childcare.

Secularisation

The declining influence of religion in society, leading to more accepted divorce.

Blended families

Families formed through remarriage that include children from previous relationships.

Dual burden

The expectation placed on women to handle both paid work and domestic duties.

Pure relationship

A relationship that exists primarily to meet the needs of each partner, rather than out of duty.

Bean pole family

A family structure characterized by multiple generations but fewer siblings.

Individualisation thesis

The idea that traditional social structures have lost their influence, allowing for more personal choice in relationships.

Child-centred family

A family structure that prioritizes the needs and interests of children.

Family diversity

The variety of family structures and arrangements in society, reflecting changes in social norms.

Postmodern family

A family structure that is fluid and varied, reflecting the complexities of modern society.

New Right

A sociological perspective that advocates for traditional family values and critiques the rise in family diversity.

Feminist explanations for divorce

Theories that emphasize women's increasing independence and dissatisfaction in patriarchal marriages.

Asexuality

The absence of sexual attraction towards others.

Lone parent families

Families consisting of one parent and their children, often resulting from divorce or separation.

Interactionist perspective on divorce

Focus on understanding the individual meanings and experiences associated with divorce.

Ageing Population

A demographic trend characterized by an increase in the proportion of older individuals in the population, driven by advancements in healthcare and increased life expectancy.

Cohabitation

Living together in a committed relationship without being legally married; includes arrangements like 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) where partners do not cohabit.

Divorce Statistics (2021)

Approximately 113,505 divorces in England and Wales, with 66% initiated by women, reflecting changing societal norms.

Divorce Reform Act (1969)

Legislation that simplified the divorce process in the UK, contributing to a rise in divorce rates.

Blended Families

Families that consist of parents who have remarried and include children from previous relationships.

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act (2013)

UK legislation that legally recognized marriages between same-sex couples, contributing to diverse family structures.

Child-Centered Families

Family structures that prioritize children's needs and involve parents adopting communication-focused discipline methods.

Symmetrical Family

An evolving family dynamic where men and women share household duties more equitably.

Living Apart Together (LAT)

Long-term relationships where partners maintain commitment without sharing a home, with about 1 in 10 adults reported in such arrangements.

Rise in Singlehood

An increasing trend of individuals choosing not to marry or opting for relationships based on emotional connections rather than economic necessity.

Lone Parent Families

Families headed by a single parent, predominantly mothers, representing about 15% of all families in the UK.

Legal Changes affecting Divorce

Key legislative changes such as Equalizing Grounds for Divorce (1923) and Widening Grounds for Divorce (1971) that facilitated more divorce petitions.

Feminist Perspectives on Divorce

The view that rising divorce rates are positive as they indicate women escaping patriarchal constraints of traditional family structures.

Postmodern Perspectives on Family

Emphasis on individual freedom and personal choice in relationship dynamics, reflecting societal diversity.

Functionalist view on Divorce

The perspective that high divorce rates signify changing norms rather than threatening the institution of marriage, as shown by high remarriage rates.