Examine the extent and reasons of family diversity in today's society When we say family diversity we mean difference or variation within the family structure

Rapoport are very critical of the functionalist and New Right view that the typical family is nuclear. They point out that even back in 1978 only 20% of families fitted this ideal. The Rapoports argue that family life in Britain is actually characterised by diversity. A range of family type exists, with diverse internal set ups which reflect the changing nature of British society. They argue that there are five types of diversity in contemporary families. The first type is organisational. This refers to variation in family structure e.g. single parent families, nuclear, extended, beanpole etc. Another type is cultural diversity. Britain is a multi-cultural society and this looks at the differences in lifestyles of families of different ethnic origins and religious beliefs. For example the stereotypical image of the Afro- Caribbean family in Britain is of a single parent household which tends to be mother-centred. Another example is that in South Asian families, both Hindu and Muslim, there is a tendency for the families to be extended, traditional and patriarchal. There is more acceptance of different culture which is shown by inter-ethnic families. The third type is class. The Rapoports suggest that there may be differences between middle-class and working-class families in terms of the relationship between adults and the way children arse socialised. They also believe that there is also life-course diversity which is the stage in the life cycle of family of individuals. The last type of diversity is cohort. This refers to the periods at which the family has passed through different stages of the life cycle. It is a group of people whose viewpoint depends on the year of birth.

Judith Stacey also thinks that there is a lot of diversity. She believes that family diversity reflects the lack of consensus, the uncertainty and the fluidity of a post modern society. As a post modernist she believes that there is variety, fragmentation and a “pick n mix” culture. A reason for family diversity is that we do now live in a post modern society which is more accommodating of diversity. Anthony Giddens is also more accepting to family diversity and he says that it results from broader changes in society. Family diversity reflects the growing freedom to choose identities and select lifestyles. We no longer define people by gender, class, ethnicity and sexuality; there is no pattern to our society. Post modernism realises that there is family diversity but the family is flexible and can cater to everyone’s needs. The New Labour too accepts family diversity and has introduced legislation that supports diversity such as the New Civil Partnership legislation which allows gay and lesbian couple’s rights similar to those of married heterosexuals which is definitely going against the functionalist outlook.

        There is the view however, that there is not that much diversity. Robert Chester came up with the Neo-conventional family in 1985. He believes that there has been a change in the role of women as they are becoming breadwinners but that’s about it. His view is that family diversity is minor and the basic features are still the same e.g. most adults still get married and have children and everyone at one point will be part of a conventional family. He also says that we can’t judge a family by a snap shot.  

In conclusion, I think that there is diversity but to a medium degree. I don’t think it is wrong because every type of family can function and provide the correct norms and values significant in socialising children. The nuclear family still is very common but we do have to acknowledge other types too but not as a problem. I do agree with Rapoport’s five diversity types because I do believe that these exist, but I also do agree with Robert Chester. The main reason for family diversity is the change in trends of divorce leading to single parent families and the increase in other family structures which all combines together to link with a post modern society because we are accepting this variation.

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