Changing Patterns in Family Life Flashcards
Why may changing attitudes towards cohabitation lead to a decline in marriage?
No pressure to get married and it’s socially acceptable to not marry
Cohabitation has become the norm
Why may changing attitudes towards childbirth out of marriage led to a decline in marriage?
Marriage no longer necessary and has become the norm, therefore having a child outside of marriage is completely socially acceptable
Why may secularisation have led to a decline in marriage?
Religion now has less influence on peoples lives, meaning couples no longer feel there’s a pressure to get married for religious reasons
Cohabiting isn’t seen as ‘living in sin’
Why may an increase in divorce have led to a decline in marriage?
More couples fear their marriage will end in divorce so chose not to marry all together
Why may an increase in women in paid work have led to a decline in marriage?
Women more independent as they have their own money
Women no longer need to marry for financial reasons
How might the decline in marriage be viewed by functionalists?
Negative view towards decline in marriage because they view the family as playing a major role in maintaining social stability, through primary socialisation and a decline in marriage results in fewer nuclear families to perform this role
How might the decline in marriage be viewed by the new right?
Negative view towards decline in marriage because they argue traditional nuclear families are both desirable and positive for individuals and society
Decline in traditional families means there was a decline in traditional roles of the family
How might the decline in marriage be viewed by liberal feminists?
Positive view towards decline in marriage because they campaign for the equality of both men and women
Therefore may believe that cohabitation could allow more equality and improve positive position of women in the family and society through state policies that remove all forms of discrimination
How might the decline in marriage be viewed by radical feminists?
Positive view towards decline in marriage because they view marriage as a patriarchal institution so they would be please more women aren’t marrying
How might the decline in marriage be viewed by postmodernists?
Positive view towards decline in marriage because they argue we now live in a postmodern society characterised by rapid social change and uncertainties
Therefore a decline in marriage and an increase in cohabitation would be seen as the norm
What is serial monogamy?
Having a series of long term relationships
Two reasons why there has been an increase in the number of remarriages
Changing attitudes towards what is acceptable - no longer stigma about remarrying
More women financially independent - no longer have to deal with unhappy marriages to stay financially stable
Why has the changing role of women led to an increase in the average age of marriage?
Women want to establish their careers first and women wish to have careers to achieve financial stability and independence before getting married
