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Read Item D below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 6
Read Item D below and answer the question that follows. Item D Postmodernist sociologists argue that individual choice is now more important to people than their r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item D below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate the view that individual choice in personal relationships has made family life less important in the United Kingdom today.
Answer
In evaluating the view that individual choice has diminished the importance of family life, one has to consider the contrasting perspectives within sociological discourse.
First, according to postmodernist thought, individual choice increasingly shapes personal relationships. This perspective posits that modern society promotes a variety of lifestyle options, which enable individuals to prioritize personal preferences over traditional familial obligations. This can be seen in trends such as cohabitation without marriage, single parenthood, and same-sex relationships, which are all examples of how personal choice redefines family structures.
On the other hand, some sociologists argue against the postmodernist view, suggesting that family continues to hold significance despite changing dynamics. For instance, functionalists assert that the family still performs essential roles in socialization and emotional support. Families might still be prioritized in various contexts due to inherited cultural values and the emotional ties that bind members together.
Moreover, while individual choice is a factor, it is critical to evaluate how socio-economic variables influence family structures. Factors such as economic stability, legal frameworks, and social policies also play a critical role in shaping family dynamics.
Additionally, while some may argue individual choice has led to fragmentation of family life, others suggest this creates opportunities for family structures that better suit contemporary needs, illustrating resilience rather than decline. Individuals often seek to redefine but not entirely abandon family roles, aiming for deeper connections despite non-traditional forms.
Conclusion: Overall, while individual choice indeed impacts family arrangements, to conclude that it has made family life less important is a simplification. Family remains a dynamic institution that adapts to societal changes, where choice and tradition may coexist rather than conflict.