Family Diversity Mindmap

A mindmap surrounding the AQA Families & Households topic of Family Diversity. Topics covered are reasons for the decline in marriage, increase in divorce, cohabitation and same sex relationships, and parenting. 

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  • Family Diversity
    • Divorce Increase
      • LESS STIGMA- since 1960s stigma has declined, divorce is now more acceptable so more common
      • SECULARISATION- decline in influence of religion in society
      • LACK OF NECESSITY- marriage now based purely on love rather than economic factors, so people have higher expectations
      • CHANGES IN POSITION OF WOMEN- more women now in paid work and welf. benefits available. Less econ. dependent and more able to file for divorce. Equal at work vs triple shift at home. 70% of divorce petitions from women
    • Marriage Decrease
      • CHANGING ATTITUDES- less pressure to marry. Alternatives such as cohabitation are less stigmatised
      • WOMEN'S ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE- gives them freedom not to marry & rise of feminism gives freedom from patriarchy
      • LACK OF NECESSITY- marriage now based purely on love rather than economic factors so cohabitation is a cheaper alternative
      • OTHER TRENDS- more remarriages, later marriages and fewer religious weddings
    • Cohabitation and same-sex relationships
      • 1.5 million couples cohabit
      • LESS STIGMA- surrounding cohabitation and sex before marriage
      • WOMEN'S IMPROVED ECONOMIC POSITION- don't need financial security of marriage
      • Cohabitation may be a trial marriage or a complete alternative
      • Greater acceptance, more legal equality and policies treating all couples equally
    • Parenting
      • LONE PARENT FAMILIES- 1/4 of all families, tripled since 1970s
        • Due to increased divorce and decline in stigma surrounding children born outside of marriage. Over 90% female headed
      • Over 40% of children are now being born outside marriage – 5 times more than 1971
      • RECONSTITUTED FAMILIES- increasing due to divorce and re-marriage
        • 8% of all families with children. Mostly children from woman's previous relationship
      • ETHNIC DIFFERENCES- more black lone parents (49% compared to 23% of white and 11% Asian). Larger Asian households: cultural importance of extended family and need for support when migrating
  • WOMEN'S ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE- gives them freedom not to marry & rise of feminism gives freedom from patriarchy
  • Over 40% of children are now being born outside marriage – 5 times more than 1971

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