Reasons for Family Diversity in the UK

**[Reasons for changes in family forms]** The concept of a traditional family has changed dramatically in the last 60 years. It is useful to know some of the reasons behind the changes in different types of families. Some sociologists argue that there is no "normal" family, but instead a broad dive...

**[Reasons for changes in family forms]** The concept of a traditional family has changed dramatically in the last 60 years. It is useful to know some of the reasons behind the changes in different types of families. Some sociologists argue that there is no "normal" family, but instead a broad diversity of family and household forms in the UK today. In the information below are some of the social changes that have occurred that have led to changes in the family forms in the UK over the last 60 years; **[Secularisation]** **Secularisation** refers to the declining influence of religious beliefs and institutions. **Goode** (1917-2003) argued that secularisation has resulted in marriage becoming **less of a sacred**, spiritual union and more of a personal and practical commitment. Fewer couples get married in a religious ceremony today. Marriage is less likely to be seen as a spiritual union between husband and wife. Less than 1 in 3 weddings were celebrated in a church in 2015, compared to more than half in the 1980s. Secularisation has meant that **cohabitation** and **divorce** are less likely to be seen as morally wrong. **[Immigration]** *Refers to the action of moving to live in a foreign county.* This has caused an **increase in family types**. Families moving to the UK from South Asia often bring with them the traditional family structure of their country of origin, where family members typically support the **wider family**. The 2011 Census showed the population of England and Wales included; **86% white** and **14% ethnic minorities**. This has led to an **increase in extended families** among these communities in Britain. **[Legal changes]** There are several legal changes that have influenced family structure: The **Divorce reform act 1969*: Divorce*** *refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court.* This act made it **easier** for couples to escape an unhappy marriage. Individuals no longer had to prove that fault was a consequence of their wife/husband. Ultimately, this i**ncreased the** divorce rates. The divorce rate more than **doubled** from 1969 to 1972. Today approx. 42% of marriages end in divorce. The **Equal pay act 1970**: This act meant that women and men doing the same job would get **paid the same. T**his contributed to changes in the organisation of family life, including **encouraging women to work** outside the home and giving them **independence**. **Same-Sex couples Act 2013**: Allowed same-sex couples to get married in England and Wales. These marriages are now seen as the same as marriages between a man and woman under the law of England and Wales. Between 2014 and 2015, 15,098 same-sex couples had legally married. **[Employment opportunities]** There are more employment opportunities for women today. Women are **choosing to focus on their careers instead of marrying.** Women who do marry have more **control over their fertility** by using **contraception**. Women can therefore decide when to have children. **[Changing gender roles]** **An increasing number of women are in paid employment**. This means fewer women need to depend on a man for financial security. Additionally, women are more likely to **focus on their careers before settling down and starting a family.** Women now make up **47**% of the workforce. The increased earning power of women explains the growth of the number of women who have never married and choose to have babies on their own. **[Change in social attitudes]** In the 20^th^ century, there were changes in people's priorities and expectations of relationships. People tended to **marry later** and **did not consider having a family as the most important** thing. Previously living alone gave a **negative status** to women as it signified **failure in finding a partner**, but now views have changed. More men and women are **choosing to live alone**. It has become more acceptable to **cohabit**. Today, there is less **social stigma** attached to same-sex couples. Stigma refers to a mark of disgrace and a negative attitude. **[Benefits for lone parents]** The UK government provides **benefits to lone parents** to help support them. Previously women would stay with their husbands because men were commonly the **breadwinner** of the family and the women had no way of **supporting** themselves. **[Longer life expectancy]** Life expectancy refers to t*he average period that a person may expect to live.* Life expectancy has *increased significantly* in the UK. Women have a longer life expectancy than men. Increased life expectancy means that when couples marry they are likely to **spend a great deal of time with one person**. Over time individual's **interests may change** and if couples divorce there is still plenty of time for them to form a **new relationship.**