- Selected relevant sociological theories /ideas and /or political perspectives such as functionalism,Marxism and or the new right ,or more modern theories about family such as ‘confluent love’
One theory which speaks about an individual in the society is functionalism. Going through the theory, one will realize that society is more important than an individual in the society. An individual is born and he has to adjust himself to the things which are happening in the society. A whole society is formed by interconnection of various small parts like order, social consensus and integration. Talcott Parsons states that every society has to undertake four perquisites so that they can exist. First and foremost, society should adapt itself in the environment so that they can survive in the prevailing environment. The environment keeps on changing so the people in the society should modify themselves accordingly. Second is the goal attainment. Every society has certain goals set forth and every individual in the society should work accordingly so that they can attain the set goals. The goals are normally set forth by the government and the government also provides the resources so that the society can achieve it. Thirdly, it talks about integration because society is made up of various parts and all the parts should be integrated with that of each other so that the conflicts in the society can be reduced to the extent possible. Fourth is the pattern maintenance. He strongly believes that the beliefs of the society are shaped by the religions in the society and this pattern needs to be maintained so that a harmonious relationship prevails in the society (Bryant).
The next theory which talks about society and family would be the transformation of intimacy. Not only the way of living, the way of loving has also changed as per Anthony Giddens. During the olden days, marriage was different than what it is today. There wasn’t anything in the name of love; the financial stability was the only thing which was considered. Later came the romantic love, this love allowed the couples to love each other madly and they felt that they are incomplete without each other. Then there was the pure relationship as many believed that romantic love cannot complete a relationship. Pure relationship basically means respecting individuality and hence, couples love to give freedom to each other. Today’s generation believes in Confluent love. Confluent love means that the couple can stay with each other, until and unless, they love each other. Once they think that this relationship isn’t working then they have complete freedom to separate their paths and move away from each other’s life (Ksangmin, 2009).
- 1. Applied and discussed relevant aspects of these theories/concepts/ideas/perspectives
Functionalism theory connects the family with the society. Individuals when grouped together forms family and different families together, form a society. It is the responsibility of every family to train their children in such a way that they can be a part of this society. Apart from that, it is also the responsibility of the family to inculcate cultures like maturity by way of marriage. This theory strongly believes that men and women in the house will have to play contradictory yet complementary roles. The men in the house have to be instrumental and at the same time, the female in the house should be expressive so that she can provide emotional support to family members (TheTreasury).
Confluent love is something that is being seen in today’s society. In romantic love, men were too stressed with the commitments that they had towards their partner. Due to that, many times, they use to land up hiring a prostitute or having a mistress. Confluent love allows people to be free. During the olden days, people were forced to stay with each other even when they didn’t want to because of the societal pressures. With confluent love, plastic sexuality came into existence. Plastic sexuality allows people to decide regarding their sexual life. During the olden days, women were forced to be virgin till the time, they didn’t find their Mr. Right but now that is no more their case as they have the freedom to decide about their sexual concerns(Terri, 2005).
- 2. Identified relevant aspects of family life. For example, changes such as the rise in divorce and reduction in marriages rates. Other aspects might include organizational diversity ,ethnic diversity, family structure ,the role of the family and definitions of family
Everything is changing in the environment and so is the family structure and culture of the family. Few of the things which have rapidly changed in the UK are as follows: –
- Monogamy is one thing that existed in the previous society but that is not the case anymore. The law of the UK allows people to have multiple partners but it is noticed that no one marries another person when they already have a husband or wife. In the olden UK society, it was noticed that monogamy was the key to married life but that is no more the case. Couples tend to have only one spouse but it is noticed that they end up with a sexual relationship with someone, other than that of their spouse.
- Today the number of divorces has increased rapidly. In the past, it was noticed that once a couple is married then they use to stay together with each other for the rest of their lives. They believed in the vow very seriously that they took during marriage, that is, we will be together till death do us part. But today, couples get married then they tend to be together for a year’s time or more and then they walk out of each other’s life and then they find a new partner.
- The family pattern is also changing drastically. British family basically believes in Patrilineal inheritance. In this inheritance, all the property of the father goes to the male children in the family. It was also noticed that when a male in the family gets married then they stay with their parents and new bride but that is the not the case anymore. Newly married couple tends to stay alone so that they can spend some quality time together (Giddens, 2006).
- 3. Explained these aspects of family life. For example this might include an explanation of the nature and extent of diversity and change
The changes which are taking place in UK have certain reasons attached to it and these reasons clearly states that the change cannot be ignored. Few of the reasons for which the changes are taking place in the society are as follows: –
Monogamy is no more followed in the society because of the stress that couple faces. In the past, men were considered to be breadwinners and females were allotted the responsibility of taking care of their family members but things have changed now. Both men and women are working and hence, it is becoming difficult for both of them to spare time for each other. Initially, couples look for emotional support from outside and later, they end up having sexual relations.
- Couples, basically, dream about romantic love before they get married. They believe that romantic love is the way by which marriage can bring happiness but they need to understand that this is not possible. Romantic love leads to a lot of expectations from one another and it is, merely, impossible for the other person to fulfill all the expectations thus, leading to increase in the number of divorces.
- Family pattern changed slowly because initially when children use to get married, they use to stay somewhere close to their parents but now, the location of parents is no more a consideration for them while choosing a house. The decision is generally decided by factors like the workplace distance of the couple from their home so they get a house which is located close-by to the bride as well as the groom’s work location (Giddens, 2006).
- 4. Analysed aspects of family life.this might include discussing issues such as the extent,the desirability and the implications of changes/diversity or evaluating arguments surrounding definitions of family structure
The changes that are happening in the society are leading to various problems. The British society is changing continuously and there are various impacts of the same. Few of the changes that have taken place in the society, due to changing family pattern are as follows: –
- Today, the family pattern has changed and this is one thing that is being noticed and adopted by the society at large. No more families consist of parents and children only; today, families also include step family and many families are even single parented.
- The earning pattern has also changed. The entrance of women in the labor market has made financial decisions easier than what it was in the past. A couple together can plan a safe and secured future for their children.
- Marriage is no more a compulsion in the British society. Many couples are not comfortable with the term marriage and hence, they cohabit together before marriage. If they aren’t comfortable with each other then they move out of each other’s life and if they want to be together, for the rest of their lives, then they get married.
- Technology is making a huge contribution to the family pattern. In the past, sex and child were interconnected but that is not the case anymore. There are many contraceptives available in the market and hence, a couple can decide when they need a child rather than regretting after being pregnant.
- Kids in the family are becoming more independent and this is not liked by parents. After the age of 18, they prefer to stay alone rather than that with parents. The kids move out of the family at a very young age and they earn their living by making money through part-time jobs while studying (Mori).
If you want History Essay writing Assignment Help study samples to help you write professional custom essay’s and essay writing help.
Receive assured help from our talented and expert writers! Did you buy assignment and assignment writing services from our experts in a very affordable price.
To get more information, please contact us or visit www.myassignmenthelp.Com
