Explain reasons for the growth in family diversity.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2021
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Reasons for the Growth of Family Diversity
This essay will explore the various reasons for the growth of family diversity in contemporary society. It will focus on the impact of:
Globalization and Migration
- Increased cultural diversity within societies.
- Introduction of new family structures and norms.
Secularization and Changing Attitudes
- Decline in religious influence on family life.
- Shifting views on marriage and divorce.
- Greater acceptance of non-traditional relationships.
Feminist and Liberation Movements
- Challenging traditional gender roles.
- Emphasis on individual choice and autonomy.
- Increased women's participation in the workforce.
- Greater focus on personal goals over family structures.
Liberated Sexual Attitudes
- Increased acceptance of sexual diversity.
- Shifting priorities for women regarding relationships and marriage.
- Rise of cohabitation and same-sex partnerships.
Crisis of Masculinity
- Emergence of alternative masculinities.
- Challenge to traditional gender roles within families.
- Increased acceptance of house husbands and shared parenting.
New Right Views and Other Factors
- Concerns about declining moral standards.
- Fear of divorce and its impact on children.
- Increased life expectancy leading to higher divorce rates.
Postmodernist Perspectives
- Emphasis on individualism and choice.
- Rejection of grand narratives and traditional family structures.
- Focus on the fluidity and diversity of family forms.
Conclusion
The essay will conclude by summarizing the key reasons for the growth of family diversity and highlighting the broader societal implications of these changes.
Reasons for the Growth in Family Diversity
Contemporary Western societies are witnessing an unprecedented level of family diversity, a stark contrast to the dominance of the nuclear family in the mid-20th century. This essay will argue that this diversification can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including globalization, secularization, feminist and liberation movements, changing gender roles, and postmodernist influences.
Globalization and Changing Social Attitudes
Globalization has significantly diversified societies through increased migration, leading to a greater variety of cultural norms and family structures. For example, the UK has seen a rise in extended families as a result of migration from South Asia, where multigenerational households are common.
Furthermore, secularization has weakened the influence of religious doctrines on marriage and family life. Divorce, once considered taboo, is now socially acceptable and legally accessible. This shift is reflected in the increasing number of single-parent and blended families.
The Impact of Feminism and Liberation Movements
The feminist and liberation movements of the late 20th century have fundamentally altered societal expectations of gender roles and family structures. Women, empowered by access to education and employment, are increasingly prioritizing personal fulfillment over traditional roles as wives and mothers.
This has led to a rise in cohabitation, as individuals seek greater freedom and flexibility in their relationships, and a decline in marriage rates, particularly among younger generations. As Giddens (1992) argues, relationships have become more contingent and based on individual needs, leading to the emergence of "pure relationships" that are entered into for personal satisfaction rather than social obligation.
Changing Gender Roles and the Crisis of Masculinity
The traditional patriarchal family structure, with the male breadwinner and female homemaker, is also being challenged. The crisis of masculinity, fueled by economic shifts and changing expectations of men, has led to the emergence of alternative masculinities.
We now see a growing acceptance of house husbands and stay-at-home fathers, reflecting a shift towards more egalitarian relationships. This, combined with greater freedom of choice and socially accepted alternatives to marriage, such as same-sex partnerships and singlehood, further contributes to family diversification.
Postmodernism and the Fragmentation of Family Life
Postmodernist sociologists, like Stacey, Beck-Gernsheim, and Baudrillard, argue that we are witnessing a fragmentation of grand narratives, including the traditional narrative of the nuclear family. People are increasingly rejecting prescribed roles and constructing their own individualized lifestyles and family forms.
This is further influenced by factors like the fear of divorce, which discourages some from entering into traditional marriage contracts, and increasing life expectancy, which raises the likelihood of relationship breakdowns over a lifetime.
Conclusion
The growth in family diversity is a complex phenomenon driven by a confluence of factors. Globalization, secularization, feminist and liberation movements, changing gender roles, and postmodernist influences have all played significant roles in shaping contemporary family structures. This diversification, while challenging traditional norms, reflects a broader societal shift towards individualism, choice, and the rejection of one-size-fits-all models of family life.
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Reasons for Family Diversity
Reasons for the growth in family diversity can be attributed to various societal changes and shifts in attitudes. One major factor is the impact of globalization and migration, leading to an increase in cultural diversity within societies. Additionally, secularization and changing social attitudes have contributed to individuals feeling less constrained by traditional ideas and expectations of marriage, with divorce no longer being viewed as sinful.
Impact of Social Movements
The influence of feminist and liberation movements has played a significant role in changing people's expectations of what constitutes a family. People are now more inclined to adopt different lifestyles based on their individual needs, such as choosing to cohabitate for greater freedom to exit relationships without ties or to prioritize career advancements.
Changing Gender Roles
Liberated sexual attitudes have also played a part, with women particularly valuing personal goals such as education, career, and freedom over traditional family structures. This has led to a shift in societal norms surrounding romantic love and marriage as women are less likely to regard them as their primary goals.
The crisis of masculinity has prompted the emergence of alternative masculinities, such as the concept of a house husband, challenging traditional gender roles within families. Greater freedom of choice and socially accepted alternatives to marriage have further contributed to the diversification of family structures.
Other Contributing Factors
Additional factors, such as new right views on declining morals, a fear of divorce, and an increase in life expectancy leading to a higher likelihood of relationship breakdowns, have also impacted the prevalence of family diversity in contemporary society. These changes reflect a broader shift towards individualism and a rejection of grand narratives, as theorized by postmodernist sociologists like Stacey, Beck-Gernsheim, and Baudrillard.