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Read Item C below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 5
Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Item C People have more choice than in the past over who they can be in a personal relationship with. They a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item C below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Effect 1: Increased Diversity of Family Structures
Answer
The first effect of increased choice in personal relationships is the emergence of diverse family structures. This shift allows individuals to choose non-traditional arrangements such as cohabitation without marriage, same-sex partnerships, or single-parent families. As people explore different relationship options, they are re-defining what constitutes a family, leading to an increase in variations like blended families, extended families, and single-parent households. This diversity reflects society's evolving attitudes towards personal relationships and family formations.
Step 2
Effect 2: Impact of Divorce and Relationship Choices
Answer
The second effect is the growing prevalence of divorce as people have more choices regarding their partners. Increased choice can lead to higher expectations from relationships, and when these are not met, individuals may opt for separation, thereby contributing to the rise in divorce rates. This trend impacts family structures, as it often results in the formation of single-parent families or joint custody arrangements. Therefore, the ability to leave unsatisfactory relationships can lead to a reconfiguration of family dynamics and structures in the UK.