Using sociological theories, e xplain why the modern british family is characterised by diversity

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Jennifer Pinch 20112303         

Using sociological theories and evidence discuss why the contemporary British family is characterized by diversity.

In order to discuss the characteristics and diversity of the British family, I must first be sure to fully understand the meaning of the word ‘family’.  Most text books define the family as a group of people who are related to each other by blood, marriage or adoption, who may share common residence and have ties to each other involving duties, obligations and responsibilities. The oxford dictionary defines the word family to be:

‘A group consisting of two parents and their children living together as a unit. 2 a group of people related by blood or marriage. 3 the children of a person or couple. 4 all the descendants of a common ancestor. 5 all the languages derived from a particular early language. 6 a group united by a significant shared characteristic.’

Even within Britain we can see several different types of family.

The nuclear family, two parents and dependent children living independently of other family members.

The classic extended family- parents children and grandparents.

The modified extended family- a nuclear family maintaining close contact with other family members,

Lone parent family-parents living separately, on their own with children.

Reconstructed families-step families, adoptive families.

Same sex families-homosexual relationships.

The dominant image of family in Britain is the nuclear family. In the late 60’s Edmund Leach referred to this commonsense image as a ‘cereal packet norm’. A family, parents and children often with clearly defined conjugal roles. He said the nuclear family was the only way the British family was advertised and idealized and was seen as the norm as no other type of family was displayed in the media world.

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Britain has changed in many ways in recent years; one of these ways is the diversity in types of culture. 50 years ago it would have been extremely unusual to have a divorced family, an un-cohabiting couple with children, or lone parent families. Now Britain has the highest divorce rate in Europe, and having illegitimate children is no longer a taboo.  

‘Divorce is becoming more common as women become more economically independent; marriage is less of a necessary economic partnership than it used to be.’

(Anthony Giddons, Simon Griffith’s pg223)

There are many reasons for these changes in modern ...

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