The world is steadily and rapidly changing all the time. If asked, we can probably list many examples of this. However, we are unlikely to mention differences in the family as part of these major changes in society.
We will be looking at postmodernist perspectives on the family.
- First, we'll consider the definition of postmodernism in sociology.
- Next, we will look at postmodernist views on the nuclear family and family diversity.
- We will then look at postmodernist views on divorce and consider some examples of a postmodern family.
- Lastly, we will evaluate the postmodern perspective on family.
Let's get started!
Postmodernism in sociology: definition
Before we consider postmodernist viewpoints, it may be helpful to have a general reminder of the concept.
Postmodernism, also known as postmodernity, is a sociological theory that, according to the Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology (p.459):
arose as a consequence of advanced modernization."
Postmodern theorists believe that the era we are living in can be classed as postmodern due to its fundamental differences from the age of modernity. This monumental change leads sociologists to argue that society must also be studied differently now.
You can find an article on 'Postmodernism' here at StudySmarter for more detail about this time period.
Now that we have outlined the broad theory of postmodernism, let us consider how postmodernists view the family.
Followers of postmodernism note that there are several key features that characterise postmodern families. We will go through these key features in turn.
Postmodernist views on the nuclear family
Postmodernists argue that we should look at family as a fluid and changing concept. Therefore, they disagree with theories such as functionalism, which argues that there is one 'ideal' or 'normal' family type (the nuclear family). It also disagrees with theories such as Marxism, which makes generalisations about families.
Broad ideas and generalisations about how society works are called metanarratives. Theories such as functionalism and Marxism are metanarratives.
According to postmodernists, the decreasing relevance of metanarratives is a key feature of postmodernism.
Postmodernist views on family diversity
Postmodernist theorists claim that family is unique for everyone and that family dynamics or interactions cannot (and should not) be generalised.
This is evident in the increase in alternative family types, such as:
- single-parent families
- reconstituted families
- same-sex parent families
Postmodernist views on divorce
In addition, postmodernists note that divorce rates are increasing, which means the family and its structures are likely to continue changing for many people. However, postmodernists do not necessarily see divorce as a bad thing, as remaining in a marriage can sometimes be problematic.
Sociologist John Bernades argues that in cases of domestic violence, stress, health issues, or general dissatisfaction, divorce may actually help to alleviate problems that appear with remaining married. In this way, divorce may be a solution.
Unlike functionalists, Bernades argues that divorce is not necessarily a 'social problem'. He states that if functionalists were to acknowledge the problems in married life, they would be less likely to view divorce as a sign of anomie or a threat to solidarity.
Fig. 1 - Postmodernists state that the rise of alternative family types means we cannot make generalisations about families.
Changes in attitudes to romantic and sexual relationships
Postmodernists argue that due to changes in attitudes towards romantic and sexual connections, the importance of family life has changed.
Due to the declining stigma attached to premarital sex and relationships in the West, individuals have more opportunities to 'find the one' and explore different partnerships before settling down to marry. Individuals are therefore more experienced and have higher standards for marriage, compared to more traditional times.
Additionally, the acts of marriage and starting a family do not serve as many functional purposes as before. For example, women were expected to marry for financial support and men were expected to marry, so they could have children. Nowadays, individuals are more likely to marry for love, which means they may marry later in life as they do not have to think about functionality.
It is important to also consider the rise in acceptance of non-heterosexual relationships. In many countries, homosexuality is decriminalised, and gay marriage is legal, which means individuals have more freedom to be themselves and find partners. This can create many different family types.
You can find out more about marriage rates in the UK in recent years by visiting our 'Changing Patterns' section here on StudySmarter.
Child-free lifestyles
Many people, especially women, are now leading child-free lifestyles, which means they choose not to have children. They are likely to characterise family in other ways - they may refer to their romantic partners, immediate family, other relatives or friends.
There are several reasons why individuals decide against having children, including:
- the rising costs of raising children
- concerns about raising children in unstable environments, such as during economic crises or climate change
- they want to focus on their career
- it may simply not appeal to them!
Changes in medical technology
Relatively recent changes in medical technology have allowed for greater freedom to control fertility and reproduction. Medical advancements include:
- IVF
- egg and sperm freezing
- surrogacy
- test-tube babies
- hormonal treatment for infertility
- embryo transplants
Not only do these advancements allow for greater reproductive choice for people overall, but they also create opportunities for single, gay or older individuals to have families without assuming traditional nuclear family structures.
Fig. 2 - Medical advancements give individuals more choice and freedom to have families. You no longer need a traditional nuclear family structure
Postmodern family: examples
We will now go through some examples of postmodern families. These are theorised by postmodernists who look at the different types of families in postmodernist times and how they should be studied.
Judith Stacey: "Divorce-extended family"
In particular, Judith Stacey (1998) highlights the increased freedom enjoyed by women to create their own family structures in postmodern times. She identified the "divorce-extended family", a family type where family members are connected through divorce, not marriage.
People may maintain relations and connections with their ex-spouse's family members, such as their parents.
Due to various changes in society over the years, women are no longer restricted to one type of family arrangement; they can create family structures to suit their individual needs. As a result, their life choices may be very diverse and fluid in comparison to traditional eras where women had limited choices in shaping their lives.
It is no longer unacceptable or unconventional for women to decide to focus on their careers until their thirties (for instance) and decide to have children at that age.
On a similar note, it is not unusual for a woman to start a business or go back to employment or education at a later age in life after having had kids.
Stacey argues that family life is characterised by diversity, not alikeness.
Carol Smart: The Sociology of Personal Life
Sociologist Carol Smart (2007) argues that we should study relationships using the lens of 'personal life' rather than 'family', as the former is a more neutral term.
The term is broad enough to consider all types of personal relationships that may not fall under the narrow scope of 'family' but are still very meaningful to people. Examples of these include:
- Relationships with former partners or spouses and their families
- Long-distance relationships
- Close connections with neighbours or colleagues
- Pets
She argues that relationships can go beyond biological relations or connections through marriage.
Tamara Harevan: Life Course Analysis
Social historian Tamara Harevan (2000) states it is important to consider individuals' life courses instead of their families. This involves studying people's choices throughout their lives as they experience key events such as marriage, parenthood, divorce, or the death of a loved one.
The argument is that individuals will experience and move through several family types or relationships throughout their lifetime. Harevan argues it is important to study the meanings people give to these life events.
In doing so, we may clearly see people's choices, why they were made, and the influence of external factors (such as patriarchy, social class, ethnicity, religion or social pressure) on them. We can understand what is important to people and why.
Some people may choose to become doctors because they feel pressured to do so by cultural and familial expectations. From this, we may be able to understand that observing their cultural background and listening to family members is important to them.
If we study people's life courses instead of simply their families, we can understand family diversity in greater detail.
Some postmodern sociologists believe we should focus on life events and key personal relationships. StudySmarter Originals, Shikha Shah
Criticisms of postmodern perspectives on family
We will now consider some criticisms of postmodern views on the family.
- Although postmodernist theorists claim to be against the use of metanarratives, postmodernism itself has been claimed to be a metanarrative, as they make generalisations about the fluidity and modern nature of society.
- Structural factors such as race, gender and social class still impact a significant amount of people's lives and choices. There is not as much choice with personal relationships as claimed by postmodernists.
- Late modernist sociologists such as Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck claim that we are not yet in a postmodernist society; therefore, we still retain a lot of elements of modernist family patterns and experiences. We are not as 'free' to make choices as suggested by postmodernism as we are still in late modern society.
- Having more choice can be good, but some sociologists such as Giddens argue that too much choice and diversity can lead to instability. This is because any of the partners can end the relationship at will.
- Robert Chester asserts that the nuclear family type is still dominant. Although there is increased family diversity, postmodernist claims are exaggerated.
- Feminists believe that although women have more freedom to make their own choices, they are still harshly judged by wider society for not conforming to traditional familial expectations e.g. having children.
- Functionalists argue that the nuclear family is the ideal family type because it maintains social solidarity and keeps society functioning smoothly.
Postmodernist Perspective on The Family - Key takeaways
- Postmodernists believe we should look at family as a fluid and changing concept; therefore, they disagree with using metanarratives such as functionalism and Marxism.
- Postmodernists note the increase in alternative family types, such as single-parent, reconstituted, and same-sex families.
- Changes in attitudes to romantic and sexual relationships have also impacted the importance of family life.
- Many individuals choose to have child-free lifestyles, which means they are likely to characterise family differently.
- Judith Stacey, Carol Smart and Tamara Harevan all speak about alternative ways of studying individuals' families.
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