Family Types: In The UK and Demographic Trends

Family Types: In The UK and Demographic Trends

1. Rapoport X2 (1982)

   • The studied the decline in the Nuclear family. They found it was no longer the 'norm' in Britain. They found the two main growing types were: 'SPF families' and 'Reconstituted families'.
     • AO1: This showed more tolerance and understanding as people now have freedom and more choice.

2. Functionalists

   • Disagree with R&R. They believe that the 'Nuclear family' is the most important, functional type for society. This is due to its two gender roles and a strong income with addtional stability. For example: Job Share.

3. Feminists

   • Support these changes in demographic trends. They believe the Nuclear family is more negative for women. They believe that women's housework is dull and unrecognized. They believe that domestic violence makes the Nuclear family a negative place for women.
     • AO2: However, the Nuclear family is unintentionally apart of every women's life cycle.

4. The New Right

   • They believe that the Nuclear family is the best. They believe the rise of SPF's is one of society's biggest problems. This is due to their belief that SPF'S rise crime rates and abuse the benefits system.
     • AO1: Chester (1982) believes that R&R have exaggerated the amount of diversity. He also believes that the only major change is women are now working. Resulting in the increase of Neo-conventional families.  

5. SPF Families

   • Since 1970 the number of SPF families has tripled. Now 25% of all families are SPF and 90% of them are headed by women. 1/5 children live in SPF families. Britain has the largest number of SPF'S.
     • AO1: Reasons for this:  - Increase in divorce. (More acceptable) - Women now work (More financially independent) - Contraception/Medical changes (A women can choose to be a single parent) 
     • Why are 90% lead by women: