Family diversity and the life course - Postmodernism and the life course

• CHEAL - Family has entered a new, chaotic, postmodern stage, we no longer live in a modern world
• A&Ds - Greater freedom to individuals, greater risk of instability

• Shift since the 50s
• Churches have less of an impact
• Families are still fairly traditional
• Sees the new right as fighting a loosing battle

• Tradtion has become less influential

Why the patriacrhal family has become undermined:

• Greater gender equality - Women expect equality in work and marriage, challenges male domination
• Greater individualism - Peoples actions are influenced by peoples interests, not by what other people think is right

• Focuses on the meanings people give certain choices and experiences
• Has two stengths - 1.Suitable for studying families in todays society    2. Focuses on what family members think is important

• Greater choice about personal relationships
• Individuals make choices about their family life and relationships

• Influenced by beliefs
• Allows us to see and understand why conflict can occur within families
• MORGAN - 'Closer to realities of everday experciences' , the family is more fragmented
• FUNCTIONALISM - Family is clear cut

• Greater choice has benefited women
• Free women from patriarchal oppression

AGAINST

• THE NEW RIGHT - Nuclear family is best

FOR

• POST MODERNISTS - Freedon to choose
• FEMINISTS - Streering away from the patriarchal family

• Women have gained independance
• Contraception