Essay
A Level Increase in same sex families 15 mark essay - Sociology
- Module
- Family diversity
- Institution
- WJEC
Example essay revolving around the reasons for the increase in same sex families in a level of sociology that scored 11/15
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Explain the reasons for the increase in same-sex families in the contemporary UK (15)A same-sex family is two people of the same sex who live together as a family. The number of
same-sex families has increased in the 21st century. In 2019, there were 212,00 same-sex
families and his family type is the fastest growing family type in the UK
One reason is secularisation, Functionalists believe
that there has been a decline in religious beliefs and practices which has led to a change in our
moral values. This means the church has lost its power to influence individuals morally in which
we now accept more liberal ideas as family types like single-parent families are no longer
stigmatised. Goode argues that people now accept homosexuality as a part of normal life rather
than viewing it as a sin, previously seen as scandalous. Wilson would support Goode's idea, as
through the decline in religion, it is no longer relevant to be in a traditional heterosexual nuclear
family. No longer seen as sinful to live in family types outside the traditional nuclear family, nor
frowned upon to have children outside of marriage. Therefore there has been an increase in the
rates of same sex families.
The second reason is Individualisation, this is because people now have more choice and
freedom within society as social stigmatisation has fallen. Postmodernists believe that there has
been an increase in individualisation as people are less influenced by societal norms and
values.
This would allow individuals to be more driven to live in a way that benefits their own needs.
New Right Popenoe believe that there has been an increase in the emphasis on their personal
and emotional needs for self-fulfilment over community and shared goals which may not have
been previously found within a relationship. Consequently, alternatively, family types to the
traditional nuclear family have risen which includes single parent families.
The last reason was legislation, through the implementation of family legislation, the Marriage
Act, which allowed same-sex couples to marry in England and Wales. The Civil Partnership Act
has allowed same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition for their relationship. This allowed all
couples to be treated more equally, whether homosexual or heterosexual. Also through the
Adoption Act, same-sex couples have a right to adopt a child in the UK. This is because
agencies are unable to refuse same-sex couples as potential adopters. Feminism would view
this legal change in a positive light as it promotes gender equality. With the implementation of
welfare legislation, New Right Murray argues that the welfare system is over-generous which
has led to greater family diversity. This is because it has made it possible for individuals to live
outside the traditional nuclear family as they are no longer financially dependent on their other
half. This is because, through Housing Benefits and Child benefits, most women are
encouraged to leave unhappy relationships. This has therefore led to the decline of the
traditional nuclear family and the fall in marriage rates.
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