Explain why the average family size has decreased in modern industrial societies.
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2020
👑Complete Model Essay
Free Essay Plan
Introduction
State the purpose of the essay: to explain why the average family size has decreased in modern industrial societies.
Body Paragraph 1: Secularization and Family Structures
Discuss how secularization has led to an increase in divorce and single parenthood, resulting in smaller family sizes
Body Paragraph 2: Changing Social Norms
Explain how singlehood has become more socially acceptable and popular, influencing smaller family sizes
Body Paragraph 3: Women's Changing Roles
Contraception: Discuss the role of contraception in decreasing family size by allowing women to control their fertility. Career Focus: Explain how women's pursuit of careers has contributed to a decrease in family size.Body Paragraph 4: Medical Advancements
Discuss how advancements in medicine and healthcare have reduced infant mortality, eliminating the need for large families
Body Paragraph 5: Functional Changes in Family
Explain how the decline of the extended family and the shift towards smaller units have contributed to smaller family sizes
Body Paragraph 6: Mobility and Family Dispersion
Discuss how increased geographical and social mobility has made smaller family units more practical
Body Paragraph 7: Feminism and Women's Empowerment
Explain how feminism has influenced family size by encouraging women to prioritize their own lives and make choices about childbearing
Body Paragraph 8: Dual-Worker Families and Modern Work Patterns
Discuss how the prevalence of dual-worker families and inflexible work schedules have made large families less feasible
Body Paragraph 9: Child-Centeredness and Consumerism
Explain how the shift towards child-centeredness and consumerism has increased the cost of raising children, leading to a decrease in family size
Conclusion
Summarize the main reasons for the decrease in average family size in modern industrial societies
The Shrinking Family: Explaining Reduced Family Size in Modern Industrial Societies
Modern industrial societies (MISs) have witnessed a significant decrease in average family size compared to previous eras. This essay will delve into the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors driving this trend, ranging from secularization to changing gender roles and economic pressures.
Shifting Societal Values and Norms
One primary factor is the decline of traditional religious influence, often termed secularization. With less emphasis on religious doctrines surrounding large families, individuals have greater autonomy in family planning. This has contributed to a rise in divorce and single parenthood, both of which typically result in smaller family units. Furthermore, singlehood has gained social acceptance and even desirability, further contributing to the trend.
Compounding this is the impact of feminism. Women are increasingly empowered to prioritize education and careers, leading many to delay marriage and childbirth or choose to remain childless. This, coupled with the availability of reliable contraception, allows women greater control over their reproductive choices.
Economic Realities and Child-Centredness
The economic landscape of MISs also plays a crucial role. Dual-worker families are now the norm, making large families logistically and financially challenging. The rise of child-centredness, where children are no longer expected to contribute economically but rather require significant financial investment, further incentivizes smaller families. Parents may opt to have fewer children to ensure they can provide adequately for each one.
The Changing Role of the Family
Beyond individual choices, structural shifts within society have also impacted family size. Improved healthcare and reduced infant mortality mean families no longer need to have many children to ensure some survive to adulthood. The extended family structure has also declined, replaced by more geographically and socially mobile nuclear families. This smaller unit is better suited to the demands of modern life, where individuals relocate for work or education.
Conclusion
The decrease in average family size within MISs is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by a confluence of factors. From changing societal values surrounding religion and gender roles to economic pressures and the evolving nature of family itself, these factors collectively contribute to the prevalence of smaller family units in modern times.
Note: This essay draws on general sociological knowledge regarding family structures in MISs and does not reference specific sources. For more detailed information, consult relevant sociological texts and research articles.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Explain why the average family size has decreased in modern industrial societies.
Candidates should show an understanding of the various reasons to explain why average family size has decreased in MIS’s.
Possible answers:
- Secularisation has meant that there has been a growth in divorce and single parenthood – this makes family size smaller.
- Singlehood is now socially acceptable and increasingly popular, this decreases family size.
- Women are typically today having fewer children due to factors such as contraception and their focus on careers – this leads to smaller families.
- Advancements in medicine and health-care mean that children rarely die in infancy today in MIS’s; therefore, families have less need to have lots of children.
- The family is less likely to look after elderly relatives, relying on other institutions to do so instead, meaning larger families are no longer so functionally necessary.
- There has been a significant decline in the extended family, it often being replaced by nuclear families – these are much smaller.
- Geographical and social mobility has meant that the family has become dispersed – it is easier to function effectively like this as a smaller unit.
- Feminism has encouraged women to take control of their own lives and this has affected family size as more women work, choose to remain childless or remain single.
- Dual-worker families are increasingly the norm in MIS’s and these do not fit with the notion of large families – resulting in typically smaller family sizes.
- Child-centredness has led to expensive child-rearing where children are consumers, no longer bringing money into the family, so parents choose to have fewer children.
- Other reasonable responses.