Explain and briefly evaluate the view that same sex families challenge traditional ideas of the family.
OCR
A Level
2018
👑Complete Model Essay
Free Essay Plan
Essay Outline: Same-Sex Families and Traditional Family Ideas
This essay will explore the argument that same-sex families challenge traditional ideas of the family. It will examine both the theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence related to this topic, considering both the challenges presented and the potential for adaptation and change within traditional family structures.
Introduction
* Briefly define "traditional family" and its key characteristics. * State the argument: same-sex families challenge traditional family norms. * Briefly outline the essay's structure: examining theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence.
Theoretical Perspectives
1. Functionalist Perspective
* Explain the functionalist view of the nuclear family (Parsons, Murdock): its roles and functions. * Discuss how same-sex families might challenge these functions (e.g., lack of traditional gender roles, differing family structures). * Refer to arguments against the functionalist perspective (e.g., families are diverse, not all fulfill the same functions).
2. New Right Perspective
* Explain the New Right perspective on the nuclear family (e.g., Morgan, Philips): moral superiority, social decline. * Highlight how same-sex families are seen as undermining these values (e.g., challenging the idea of natural family formation, raising children without a traditional father figure). * Criticize the New Right perspective: biased, based on heteronormative assumptions, ignores social changes and individual choice.
3. Feminist Perspective
* Explain feminist critiques of the traditional family (e.g., patriarchal structures, gender inequality). * Analyze how same-sex families might challenge these traditional power dynamics (e.g., Weeks and Donovan's concept of egalitarian relationships). * Discuss the limitations of the feminist perspective: not all same-sex families are egalitarian, some might reproduce traditional power dynamics.
Empirical Evidence
1. Studies on Same-Sex Families
* Refer to research findings on children raised in same-sex families (e.g., Guasp): positive well-being and development. * Discuss how these findings challenge negative stereotypes and assumptions about same-sex families. * Highlight the limitations of research: methodological challenges, small sample sizes, potential for bias.
2. Social Attitudes and Change
* Cite statistics on changing social attitudes towards same-sex relationships and families (e.g., Park's research on British Social Attitudes). * Demonstrate how these shifts show a growing acceptance of same-sex families as a legitimate family form. * Acknowledge remaining prejudice and discrimination (e.g., 28% still believe same-sex relations are wrong).
3. Legal and Social Recognition
* Mention the introduction of legal recognition of same-sex partnerships and marriage (e.g., Civil Partnerships, Same Sex Marriage Act 2014). * Analyze how these legal changes contribute to the normalization of same-sex families within society. * Consider the ongoing challenges to full legal and societal equality for same-sex families.
Evaluation
* Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives on same-sex families. * Discuss the limitations of both theoretical and empirical evidence. * Acknowledge that same-sex families are diverse and cannot be categorized as a single monolithic group. * Consider the possibility of adaptation and change within traditional family structures to accommodate new family forms.
Conclusion
* Restate the argument: same-sex families challenge traditional family ideas. * Summarize the key points discussed in the essay. * Offer a concluding statement: while challenges remain, same-sex families are increasingly accepted, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive understanding of family life.
**Note:** This is a suggested outline, and you may need to adapt it based on your specific research and understanding of the topic. Be sure to use relevant sociological concepts and terminology throughout your essay, and provide evidence to support your claims. Remember to address both sides of the argument, acknowledging both the challenges and possibilities presented by same-sex families.Do Same-Sex Families Challenge Traditional Ideas of the Family?
The traditional nuclear family, consisting of a married heterosexual couple with children, has long been held as the societal ideal. However, the increasing prevalence and acceptance of same-sex families have challenged this traditional notion. This essay will explore the arguments for and against the view that same-sex families represent a significant challenge to traditional ideas of family life.
Arguments in Favor
Proponents of the view that same-sex families challenge traditional norms highlight several key arguments. Firstly, they argue that same-sex families directly contradict the historical and cultural emphasis on the nuclear family as the fundamental unit of society. Functionalist perspectives, such as those of Murdock and Parsons, argue that the nuclear family is optimally structured to fulfil essential societal functions, such as primary socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities. Same-sex families, by deviating from this model, challenge the assumption that these functions can only be performed within a heterosexual union.
Furthermore, the acceptance and legal recognition of same-sex relationships, exemplified by the introduction of Civil Partnerships and the Same-Sex Marriage Act (2014) in the UK, demonstrate a societal shift away from traditional definitions of family. These legal changes signify a growing acceptance of diverse family forms and undermine the notion that marriage and parenthood should be exclusively limited to heterosexual couples. Research by Park has shown a significant shift in British social attitudes, with a majority now accepting same-sex relationships.
Studies have also suggested that same-sex families can provide positive environments for child development. Stacey, for instance, argues that same-sex families may be even more nurturing than traditional families, while Dunne points to the potential for greater equality and less rigid gender roles in same-sex households.
Arguments Against
Conversely, those who argue that same-sex families do not fundamentally challenge traditional ideas about family point to several counterarguments. They argue that the emphasis on the nuclear family as the dominant family structure is outdated. Chester, for example, proposes the concept of neo-conventional families, arguing that while family structures may have diversified, they still hold many traditional values.
Furthermore, while societal acceptance of same-sex relationships has undoubtedly increased, some resistance persists. Park's research also highlights that a significant minority still oppose same-sex relationships. This suggests that traditional views about family remain influential for a sizeable portion of the population.
Critics also argue that the focus on same-sex families as challenging traditional norms detracts from the fact that many same-sex families also adhere to traditional values and desire the same things as heterosexual couples, such as stable, loving relationships and the opportunity to raise children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the view that same-sex families challenge traditional ideas of the family is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. While the increasing visibility and acceptance of same-sex families undeniably represent a departure from traditional norms and challenge the dominance of the nuclear family model, it is also clear that many same-sex families share similar values and aspirations as heterosexual families. Ultimately, the evolving understanding and acceptance of family diversity suggest that the definition of "family" is becoming more inclusive and fluid, moving beyond traditional limitations and encompassing a wider range of relationships and structures.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
- Knowledge and understanding of diversity of family life with reference to same sex families.
- New Right views regarding the moral superiority of the nuclear family (e.g. Morgan, Philips)
- Functionalist views regarding the nuclear family as the most functionally fit (Parsons, Murdock).
- Families without fatherhood (Dennis and Erdos)
- Weeks, Donovan – chosen egalitarian relationship, challenges patriarchal nature of families
- Park - British Social attitudes show many now see same sex as an acceptable type of family (could be used for or against)
- Stacey – same sex families more nurturing
- Dunne – more equal as no gender scripts.
- Contemporary examples such as Civil Partnerships and Same Sex Marriage Act (2014).
- Any other relevant response
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly related to the specific question.
AO3: Analysis and Evaluation
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to in evaluation but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
- Children in same sex families have positive views (e.g.Guasp)
- The breakdown of the hetero-norm (Rosneil and Budgeon).
- 28% still believe sexual relations between two same sex adults was still wrong (Park)
- Stacey – nuclear families are nurturing – similar to nuclear.
- Chester neo conventional families: stick to traditional values,