Family - postmodernism

Postmodernist view of the family:

Giddens and Beck view of the family:

(AKA individualisation thesis)

Traditional social structures have lost a lot of the influence they had over peoples actions and decisions. In the past peoples were defined by ascribed roles based on class, gender and religion, whcih prevented them from choosing their own life course or family type. However, we have been freed or disembedded from these traditional roles and structures which means we are able to choose the family that meets our needs and wants at that point in our lives. 

Giddens argues that this transformation has been caused by advancements such as the availability of…