E.G the legal recognition of same-sex couples
through The Civil Partnership Act of 2004
Argue family life is characterised
by diversity - there's no longer any
consensus about norms and
values.
We live in a culture
were we can 'pick &
mix' our identities
and our family life.
Gender roles no longer fixed & relationships
within the family reflect this change - E.G crisis
in masculinity has resulted in men redefining
their sexuality & family commitment.
Pakulski & Water (1996)
Believe contemporary family roles
are now a matter of choice.
Stacey (1996)
Looks @ family from postmodern perspective -
sees no generally agreed norms & values directing
the shape of life.
She welcomes the diversity, believing
that it may bring more equal &
democratic relationships.
Evaluation
Stacey's research not representative - conducted
in Sillicon Valley in California.
BUT, she may have identified a trend
which is speading to wider society