Family Life Today
Changing SocietyStandard Grade Modern Studies
Over the next few weeks we will be studying about UK family life in class. We will be looking at...• Changes to the structure of families over the years
• Different types of families in the UK
• Why family structure has changed
• Know the costs involved in raising a family
• The needs of families
• Inequalities amongst families
• How family needs are met
Explain changes to the structure of families over the years
Describe the reasons why the structure of the family has changed
Identify 5 different family types you might find in the UK
To understand there are different types of family structures today in the UK and to understand how they have come about. By the end of the lesson you will be able to...
Traditionally families consisted of a mother,
father and children. This type of family was
known as the ‘nuclear’ or ‘conventional’ family.
The mother and father met...
Fell in love...
Got married...
And had a family...
The man went out to work...
Whilst the woman remained at home looking
after the children and running the house.
Society is changing and so attitudes towards
family life and the family structure are changing.
Changesbecause..
Increase indivorce
More womenworkin
g
Attitudeschanged towards
marriage
Religion lessimportant
Increase in
lone parent families
Society more
acceptable
People livinglonger
Changes in society have resulted in the changing face of British family and this means there are many different types of families other than nuclear or conventional families.
Family types now include:• Nuclear/Conventional• Lone parent• Extended• Couple• Reconstituted/Step• Same-sex couples/Families
Family Type Family Members Celebrity Example
Nuclear/Conventional
Mum, Dad, brothers, sisters
The Beckhams
Lone Parent One parent and children
Extended Grandparents/Aunts, etc.
Couple No children
Reconstituted/Step Lone parent family + new
Same-sex couples/families
Gay couple/ with children
To help you understand the different types of families in the UK and their family members, complete the table below with your partner. Both of you should copy and complete the table into your jotters.
Rate your own learning:GREEN – Understand fully what we have learntAMBER – Understand some of itRED – Unsure about most/all of it
Write 1 or 2 sentences explaining how families have changed over the years eg. What were they like compared to what they are now like
Give 2 brief reasons why this has happened
In your jotters...