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24 Nov 2022
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How Family Changes in the UK: Nuclear Family, Social Policies, and Cohabitation
T
Theresa lovell
@theresalovell_haat
Modern Relationships and Divorce Trends
This section delves into the factors contributing to changing relationship patterns and rising divorce rates since the 1960s. Women's evolving roles in society have significantly impacted relationship dynamics and marriage patterns.
Quote: "Career aspirations of women have meant that there has been a rise in the average age at which people first marry."
Highlight: The concept of 'liquid love' by Bauman and 'confluent love' by Giddens suggests a shift towards serial monogamy rather than traditional long-term relationships.
Example: Approximately three-quarters of divorce applications in the UK are initiated by women, reflecting their increased independence and changing expectations.
Vocabulary: Secularization refers to the declining influence of religion in society, which has contributed to changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
The text emphasizes how modern relationships are increasingly characterized by individualism and self-improvement, moving away from traditional concepts of romantic love and marriage.
Changes in Society Weakening the Traditional Nuclear Family Unit
The traditional nuclear family structure in the UK has been significantly impacted by societal changes. Two key ways in which these changes have weakened the nuclear family unit are:
- The emergence of the "beanpole family" as described by Brannen et al . This family structure is characterized by longer lifespans and increased involvement of parents in their adult children's lives, including providing economic and practical support. The beanpole family has a long, thin structure rather than a pyramid shape due to smaller family sizes and fewer siblings to rely on for support.
- The rise in diverse household compositions, as evidenced by Office for National Statistics data from 2019. There has been a significant increase in one-person households, particularly among men aged 45 to 64 years. Additionally, households containing multiple families have grown rapidly, increasing by three-quarters over two decades.
Highlight: Scotland has the highest proportion of one-person households at 35.0%, while London has the lowest at 23.9%.
Social Policies Shaping Family Life
Social policies shaping family life have had a profound impact on family structures and dynamics. Two significant ways in which these policies have influenced family life are:
- Increased cohabitation and delayed marriage: Social policies have contributed to changes in relationship patterns. Career aspirations of women, availability of contraception, and legalization of abortion have all played a role in delaying marriage and childbearing. Greater geographical mobility has also influenced decisions about settling down.
- Increased divorce rates: The Divorce Reform Act and subsequent legislation have made divorce more accessible, leading to changes in family composition. This has resulted in more lone-parent families, lone-person households, and reconstituted families. The creation of the welfare state has provided greater financial support for resident parents, such as single parent benefits and child tax credits.
Example: The introduction of child tax credits as part of the welfare state has provided financial support for single parents, enabling them to maintain independent households.
Factors Leading to a Rise in Cohabitation
The increase in cohabitation can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Changing roles and aspirations of women: Career aspirations have led to a rise in the average age of first marriage. Improved reproductive rights and medical technology allow women to delay childbearing. Financial and social independence have enabled women to seek partners based on personal satisfaction rather than financial necessity.
- Shifting social attitudes: Alternative relationship models, such as cohabitation and Living Apart Together relationships, have gained acceptance. Sociological concepts like Giddens' confluent love and Bauman's liquid love suggest a preference for serial monogamy over long-term commitments. Increased reflexivity and focus on self-improvement have promoted individualism over traditional romantic ideals.
Vocabulary: Confluent love refers to a relationship based on emotional intimacy and equality, while liquid love describes the fluidity and impermanence of modern relationships.
Reasons for Increased Divorce Rates Since the 1960s
The rise in divorce rates since the 1960s can be attributed to several factors beyond legislative changes:
- Changing roles of women: Women's rights and roles in society have evolved significantly. This shift is reflected in the fact that approximately three-quarters of divorce papers in the UK are filed by women.
- Changing expectations and social attitudes: Functionalist sociologists argue that couples today expect more from their marriages than in the 1960s. Additionally, growing secularization has led to a decline in the religious influence on marriage, making divorce more socially acceptable.
Definition: Secularization refers to the declining influence of religion in society, which has contributed to marriage becoming less sacred and important in some people's views.
These factors have collectively contributed to the rapid rise in divorce rates since the 1960s, reflecting broader societal changes and evolving attitudes towards marriage and relationships.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Family Changes in the UK: Nuclear Family, Social Policies, and Cohabitation
T
Theresa lovell
@theresalovell_haat
The traditional nuclear family structure in the UK has undergone significant transformation due to societal changes impacting nuclear familydynamics and evolving social policies. These changes have led to increased family diversity, rising cohabitation rates, and shifting attitudes towards marriage... Show more
Modern Relationships and Divorce Trends
This section delves into the factors contributing to changing relationship patterns and rising divorce rates since the 1960s. Women's evolving roles in society have significantly impacted relationship dynamics and marriage patterns.
Quote: "Career aspirations of women have meant that there has been a rise in the average age at which people first marry."
Highlight: The concept of 'liquid love' by Bauman and 'confluent love' by Giddens suggests a shift towards serial monogamy rather than traditional long-term relationships.
Example: Approximately three-quarters of divorce applications in the UK are initiated by women, reflecting their increased independence and changing expectations.
Vocabulary: Secularization refers to the declining influence of religion in society, which has contributed to changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
The text emphasizes how modern relationships are increasingly characterized by individualism and self-improvement, moving away from traditional concepts of romantic love and marriage.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Changes in Society Weakening the Traditional Nuclear Family Unit
The traditional nuclear family structure in the UK has been significantly impacted by societal changes. Two key ways in which these changes have weakened the nuclear family unit are:
- The emergence of the "beanpole family" as described by Brannen et al . This family structure is characterized by longer lifespans and increased involvement of parents in their adult children's lives, including providing economic and practical support. The beanpole family has a long, thin structure rather than a pyramid shape due to smaller family sizes and fewer siblings to rely on for support.
- The rise in diverse household compositions, as evidenced by Office for National Statistics data from 2019. There has been a significant increase in one-person households, particularly among men aged 45 to 64 years. Additionally, households containing multiple families have grown rapidly, increasing by three-quarters over two decades.
Highlight: Scotland has the highest proportion of one-person households at 35.0%, while London has the lowest at 23.9%.
Social Policies Shaping Family Life
Social policies shaping family life have had a profound impact on family structures and dynamics. Two significant ways in which these policies have influenced family life are:
- Increased cohabitation and delayed marriage: Social policies have contributed to changes in relationship patterns. Career aspirations of women, availability of contraception, and legalization of abortion have all played a role in delaying marriage and childbearing. Greater geographical mobility has also influenced decisions about settling down.
- Increased divorce rates: The Divorce Reform Act and subsequent legislation have made divorce more accessible, leading to changes in family composition. This has resulted in more lone-parent families, lone-person households, and reconstituted families. The creation of the welfare state has provided greater financial support for resident parents, such as single parent benefits and child tax credits.
Example: The introduction of child tax credits as part of the welfare state has provided financial support for single parents, enabling them to maintain independent households.
Factors Leading to a Rise in Cohabitation
The increase in cohabitation can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Changing roles and aspirations of women: Career aspirations have led to a rise in the average age of first marriage. Improved reproductive rights and medical technology allow women to delay childbearing. Financial and social independence have enabled women to seek partners based on personal satisfaction rather than financial necessity.
- Shifting social attitudes: Alternative relationship models, such as cohabitation and Living Apart Together relationships, have gained acceptance. Sociological concepts like Giddens' confluent love and Bauman's liquid love suggest a preference for serial monogamy over long-term commitments. Increased reflexivity and focus on self-improvement have promoted individualism over traditional romantic ideals.
Vocabulary: Confluent love refers to a relationship based on emotional intimacy and equality, while liquid love describes the fluidity and impermanence of modern relationships.
Reasons for Increased Divorce Rates Since the 1960s
The rise in divorce rates since the 1960s can be attributed to several factors beyond legislative changes:
- Changing roles of women: Women's rights and roles in society have evolved significantly. This shift is reflected in the fact that approximately three-quarters of divorce papers in the UK are filed by women.
- Changing expectations and social attitudes: Functionalist sociologists argue that couples today expect more from their marriages than in the 1960s. Additionally, growing secularization has led to a decline in the religious influence on marriage, making divorce more socially acceptable.
Definition: Secularization refers to the declining influence of religion in society, which has contributed to marriage becoming less sacred and important in some people's views.
These factors have collectively contributed to the rapid rise in divorce rates since the 1960s, reflecting broader societal changes and evolving attitudes towards marriage and relationships.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user