Social Changes and Family Structures – GCSE Sociology WJEC Revision

Social Changes and Their Influence on Family Structures

The Industrial Revolution, which shifted large parts of the population from agrarian lifestyles to urban, often resulted in smaller family sizes due to housing constraints.
Post-World War II, the increased need for dual-income households led to women entering the workforce en masse, subsequently affecting the traditional family dynamic.
The popularisation of birth control in the 20th century allowed couples more freedom in planning their families, often resulting in smaller family units.
Advancements in medical technology have enabled older parenting and IVF treatments, increasing both family size and age range within families.

Western Family Structures and their Evolution

The nuclear family, consisting of two parents and their children living in the same household, was the most common family structure in the mid-20th century.
Nowadays, there is a surge in single-parent families, due to factors such as divorce, separation, or choice.
Long-term cohabitation, or common-law relationships, is increasingly viewed as an alternative to marriage.
The definition of family has expanded to include same-sex couples, recognised legally after the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

Family Structures in Different Cultures

In some cultures, extended family structures are quite common, where grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins live within close proximity to each other or in the same household.
Polygamous family structures, a cultural norm in certain societies, involves one person being married to multiple spouses.
Compounds, often found in certain African societies, are family structures that include the nuclear family along with distant relatives and non-biological members.
In several Eastern societies, a patrilineal family structure is often the norm, where inheritance and lineage are traced through the male line.

Theoretical Perspectives on Family Structures

Functionalists see the family as a key pillar of society, providing critical functions such as socialisation and emotional support.
Marxists criticise the family as a tool for capitalist economies, arguing that its primary function is to reproduce and maintain the labour force.
Feminist theorists challenge the patriarchal nature of traditional family structures and focus on gender inequalities within the family setting.
The Postmodern view on family structures emphasises diversity and fluidity, arguing that the family structure is not fixed but can change constantly according to social trends and personal circumstances.