Social Changes and Family Relationships

Secularisation, or the decrease in the importance of religion in society, has led to changes in family relationships. As individuals feel less compelled by religious morals and guidelines, they now have more freedom in their choices regarding marriage, divorce, and family structures.
The trend towards greater gender equality has also impacted family relationships. Women’s increased participation in the workforce, and the evolving perception of women’s roles within a household, have led to shifts in family dynamics.
The normalisation of divorce has significantly impacted family relationships. Increased acceptance and accessibility of divorce means that family structure can change throughout a person’s life.
Advancements in technology, such as the rise of social media, have altered the dynamics of family relationships. Families can stay connected over distances, but it can also introduce new conflicts within the family unit.

Government Policies and Changes to Family Relationships

The introduction and enforcement of laws regarding domestic violence and child protection have reshaped family interactions, providing more safety within the domestic environment.
Legislation supporting same-sex marriages has allowed more diverse family structures to be recognised legally and socially, paving the way for same-sex families and marriages.
Welfare policies and benefits, such as childcare support and tax benefits, have impacted family dynamics. They provide financial support, particularly to single-parent and low-income families, influencing the structure and functioning of these families.

The Functionalist perspective suggests that changes in society and the family respond to the needs of societal institutions. For instance, an increase in working mothers would imply a needed shift in traditional family functions.
The Marxist viewpoint may interpret changes in family relationships as a reflection of class struggles and capitalist influences. They might argue that changes in government policy are only to suit the needs of the capitalist class.
The Feminist approach would analyse gender roles within the family dynamics. They would argue that gender equality movements have destabilised traditional family structures, and this is a positive step towards less oppressive family relationships.
The Interactionist perspective would focus on how individuals and family units uniquely respond to social changes. They may suggest changes in family relationships as a result of individual agency within wider societal shifts.
From a New Right perspective, societal changes impacting family relationships might be met with criticism. They typically favour traditional family structures, seeing them as fundamental to a stable society.
The postmodern viewpoint would argue that changes in family relationships reflect increased individual freedom. The diversification of family relationships is a positive consequence of the pluralistic nature of postmodern society.