Diversity And Social Change: Dimensions Of Family Diversity, Including Organisational, Cultural And Class Diversity. (Copy)
1. Overview of Family Diversity
| Dimension | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Organisational diversity | Differences in family structure + roles |
| Cultural diversity | Differences due to ethnicity, religion, migration |
| Class diversity | Differences based on social class, income, occupation |
2. Organisational Diversity
What It Refers To
| Concept | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Structure of families | How families are arranged | Nuclear, lone-parent, extended |
| Household composition | Who lives together | Single-person, multi-generational |
| Gender roles | Division of labour | Traditional vs joint roles |
| Parenting practices | Who raises children | Co-parenting, shared custody |
Forms of Organisational Diversity
| Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Nuclear families | Two parents + children |
| Lone-parent families | One parent only |
| Reconstituted/stepfamilies | Blended families |
| Dual-earner families | Both parents work |
| Same-sex families | Same-gender parents |
| Cohabiting couples | Not formally married |
Causes
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Feminism | Women working → new family types |
| Economic change | Dual incomes needed |
| Divorce rates | More lone-parent + stepfamilies |
| Secularisation | Cohabitation more accepted |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
3. Cultural Diversity
What It Refers To
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural diversity | Differences in family forms based on cultural background | South Asian, African, Western families |
Examples of Cultural Diversity
| Cultural Group | Family Features |
|---|---|
| South Asian families | Extended households, strong kinship ties |
| African-Caribbean families | Higher lone-parent rate, matrifocal households |
| Middle Eastern families | Strong patriarchal traditions |
| Western societies | Nuclear families, cohabitation common |
Causes of Cultural Diversity
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Migration | New family forms imported into societies |
| Religion | Family roles shaped by beliefs |
| Tradition | Cultural norms influence parenting and marriage |
| Community networks | Support systems shape structure |
Consequences
| Consequence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Variation in gender roles | Some cultures emphasise patriarchy, others equality |
| Variation in parenting styles | Authoritative vs permissive |
| Different household structures | Multi-generational vs nuclear |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
4. Class Diversity
What It Refers To
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Class diversity | Differences in family life based on class position | Working-class vs middle-class families |
Working-Class Families
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Higher divorce/separation risk | Economic stress |
| Traditional gender roles | Male breadwinner more common |
| Extended kin support | Rely on relatives |
| Lower income → fewer choices | Limited childcare, housing |
Middle-Class Families
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dual-earner households | Both partners often work |
| Child-centred parenting | Extracurriculars, tutoring |
| More stable marriages | Financial security |
| Value achievement | Education-focused family life |
Upper-Class Families
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inheritance-based wealth | Strong interest in maintaining lineage |
| Marriage as social alliance | Endogamy (marrying within class) |
| Larger economic resources | Nannies, private schooling |
Causes of Class Diversity
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Income differences | Shape housing, parenting, lifestyle |
| Job security | Impacts family stability |
| Educational attainment | Influences parenting + aspirations |
| Social capital | Access to networks and opportunities |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
5. Interaction Between Diversity Dimensions
| Interaction | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Culture + class | Ethnic groups have different class experiences |
| Class + organisational structure | Working-class → extended families more common |
| Culture + organisational diversity | Some cultures support multi-generation households |
6. Sociological Perspectives on Family Diversity
Functionalist
| View | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Family diversity = society adapting | Different structures still perform essential functions |
New Right
| View | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Diversity = decline of traditional family | Lone-parent families seen as dysfunctional |
Feminist
| View | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Diversity = women gaining choices | Reject traditional gender roles |
Postmodernist (Stacey, Giddens)
| View | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Diversity is normal and positive | Individuals choose personalised family forms |