How has the family become diverse?

Who think the Nuclear family is the best kind?

The cereal packet family

Statistics

Modified extended family

Beanpole family

Definition of cultural diversity

Caribbean families

Asian families

Family diversity is a bad thing - Functionalists

> Parsons said NF is best for meeting needs of society for geographically and socially mobile workforce. It also performs the 2 functions.
> NF with division of labor between man and women is best suited to perform functions effectively.

Family diversity is a bad thing - New Right

> Decline of NF and growth of family diversity has led to social problems e.g. high crime rates.
> They see lone parent families as unnatural and harmful to children as they cannot discipline children properly and are burden on welfare state.

Family diversity is a bad thing - Robert Chester

> Importance of family diversity has been exaggerated.
> Sees NF as dominant but recognises that it has changed to become a 'neo-convential' family.
> More about lifestyle than people.

Family diversity is a good thing - David Morgan

> Family diversity has increased due to society becoming more fragmented.
> Sees family as what people do rather than a thing or structure.

Family diversity is a good thing - David Cheal

> Family diversity has increased because we have more choice over the type of family we create and as a result family life has become more diverse than ever.

Family diversity is a good thing - Anthony giddens

> Family diversity has increased because there is more choice between men and women. As a result, the couple are free to define their relationships themselves rather than acting out roles defined by tradition.

Family diversity is a good thing - Judith Stacey

Family diversity is a good thing - Jeffery Weeks

> Identifies long-term shift in attitudes towards sexual and family diversity since 1950's.
> Cohabitation and homosexuality are more favorable nowadays.