Explaining family diversity

What is the modern functionalist view on the family?

Parsons sees the nuclear family as being suited to meeting the needs of modern society, in a geographical and social mobile way. Other family types can be considered as ‘abnormal and inadequate’.

What is the evaluation of the modern functionalist view of the family?

Parsons does not explain how same sex families, single parent families and extended families are not able to provide his two functions (socialisation and stabilisation).

What is the modern new right view of the family?

Opposed to family diversity and they hold the view that there is only one correct family type (TNF). The decline of the TNF is the cause of many social problems, mothers should not go out to work etc.

What is the evaluation of the modern new right view of the family?

Feminists argue that women perform a variation of roles within the family and are not just a ‘homemaker’.

What does Chester say about the possible transition from the nuclear family to the neo conventional family?

Recognises the increase in family diversity but doesn’t regard it as very significant, the only important change is a move from the conventional family to the neo conventional family, he identifies that:

• most live in a house headed by a married couple

• most marriages continue until death

• cohabitation is only temporary before marriage

• Births outside marriages are jointly registered showing commitment to the child

What is the evaluation to Chester’s ideas about neo conventional families?

80% of divorces remarry, suggesting that people do continue to aspire to the nuclear family.

What are the 5 types of family diversity according to Rapoport and Rapoport?

• Cultural diversity

• Life stage diversity 

• Organisational family

• Generational diversity 

• Social class diversity 

What acronym can be used to remember the five types of family diversity?

CLOGS

What is meant by cultural diversity?

Refers to the differences in lifestyle between families of different ethnic, national or religious backgrounds. 

What is meant by life stage diversity?

As time goes on the family moves through different life stages which creates different types of family. 

What is meant by organisational diversity?

Refers to the variations in family structure, household and kinship, e.g. divorce etc.

What is meant by generational diversity?

Older and younger generations have different attitudes and experiences that reflect the historical periods in which they have lived. 

What is meant by social class diversity?

Can impact life in several ways:

• Quality of life

• Life chances and opportunities

• Family break up

• Family structure/ how housework is divided up