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Explain and briefly evaluate the view that reconstituted families challenge the nuclear family norm.
OCR
A Level
2024
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Introduction
Introduce the topic of reconstituted families and their relationship to the nuclear family norm. Briefly define both terms and state your argument: while reconstituted families may challenge the traditional nuclear family model, they also exhibit important similarities and contribute to broader family diversity.
The Rise of Reconstituted Families and the Nuclear Family Norm
Explain the concept of the nuclear family norm, emphasizing its traditional characteristics of two married parents and their biological children. Use statistical evidence from the ONS to demonstrate the increasing prevalence of reconstituted families, highlighting the shift away from the nuclear family norm.
Evidence:- Include statistics on the rise in divorce rates, remarriage rates, and cohabitation.
- Explain the implications of these trends for the prevalence of reconstituted families.
Challenges to the Nuclear Family Norm
Discuss how reconstituted families challenge traditional views of family structure.
Evidence:- Mention the high proportion of stepfathers compared to stepmothers (Grant), suggesting challenges to gender roles.
- Address the greater risk of poverty in stepfamilies, highlighting the potential for social inequality and disadvantage.
- Explore New Right perspectives (Patricia Morgan), arguing that reconstituted families undermine the nuclear family norm and contribute to social instability.
Evaluating the Challenges
Offer a balanced perspective on the challenges posed by reconstituted families.
Evidence:- Present Ferri and Smith's (1998) research, emphasizing the similarities between stepfamilies and first families in terms of childcare and childrearing.
- Highlight Ribbens McCarthy's (2003) view of stepfamilies as diverse, suggesting that generalizing about their challenges is problematic.
- Introduce postmodern perspectives (Stacey) that argue all families are complex and contested, challenging the idea of a singular "norm."
Reconciling Tradition and Change
Acknowledge the continued relevance of the nuclear family norm, even amidst the rise of reconstituted families.
Evidence:- Explain Chester's concept of the neo-conventional family, suggesting that reconstituted families often strive for a nuclear family structure despite their different origins.
- Argue that while reconstituted families challenge traditional models, they also reflect a broader acceptance of family diversity.
Conclusion
Summarize your argument, reiterating that while reconstituted families challenge the nuclear family norm, they also contribute to a broader understanding of family diversity. Conclude by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the complexities and variations within both traditional and non-traditional family structures.
## Does Media Violence Beget Real Violence?
The idea that violence in media (movies, TV, video games, etc.) leads to increased aggression and violence in society is a long-standing debate with no easy answers.
**Arguments for the Link:**
* **Social Learning Theory:** This theory, popularized by Albert Bandura, suggests that people, especially children, learn by observing and imitating others. Exposure to media violence, especially if it's glorified or rewarded, can provide models for aggressive behavior.
* **Desensitization:** Constant exposure to violence can numb individuals to its effects, making them less empathetic towards victims and more likely to engage in aggression themselves.
* **Priming Effects:** Media violence can prime aggressive thoughts and feelings, making individuals more likely to interpret ambiguous situations as hostile and react aggressively.
* **Correlational Studies:** Some research has found a correlation between media violence exposure and aggressive behavior. However, correlation doesn't equal causation, and these studies often struggle to account for other factors.
**Arguments Against the Link:**
* **Catharsis Hypothesis:** This theory proposes that consuming violent media can actually reduce aggression by allowing individuals to vicariously release pent-up emotions. However, research supporting this hypothesis is limited.
* **Individual Differences:** Not everyone exposed to media violence becomes aggressive. Factors like personality, family environment, and mental health play significant roles.
* **Lack of Consistent Evidence:** While some studies show a link, others haven't found a causal relationship. The issue is complex, and research results often contradict each other.
* **Other Factors:** Societal issues like poverty, inequality, and access to weapons are arguably more significant contributors to real-world violence than media exposure.
**Evaluation:**
While it's likely that media violence contributes to aggression in some individuals under certain circumstances, it's not a sole cause for societal violence. It's one piece of a complex puzzle that includes numerous social, economic, and psychological factors.
**It's important to note:**
* The debate often centers around children, who are considered more susceptible to media influence.
* This issue isn't about censorship but rather about responsible media consumption and understanding the potential impact of media violence.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
## Does Media Violence Beget Real Violence?
The idea that violence in media (movies, TV, video games, etc.) leads to increased aggression and violence in society is a long-standing debate with no easy answers.
**Arguments for the Link:**
* **Social Learning Theory:** This theory, popularized by Albert Bandura, suggests that people, especially children, learn by observing and imitating others. Exposure to media violence, especially if it's glorified or rewarded, can provide models for aggressive behavior.
* **Desensitization:** Constant exposure to violence can numb individuals to its effects, making them less empathetic towards victims and more likely to engage in aggression themselves.
* **Priming Effects:** Media violence can prime aggressive thoughts and feelings, making individuals more likely to interpret ambiguous situations as hostile and react aggressively.
* **Correlational Studies:** Some research has found a correlation between media violence exposure and aggressive behavior. However, correlation doesn't equal causation, and these studies often struggle to account for other factors.
**Arguments Against the Link:**
* **Catharsis Hypothesis:** This theory proposes that consuming violent media can actually reduce aggression by allowing individuals to vicariously release pent-up emotions. However, research supporting this hypothesis is limited.
* **Individual Differences:** Not everyone exposed to media violence becomes aggressive. Factors like personality, family environment, and mental health play significant roles.
* **Lack of Consistent Evidence:** While some studies show a link, others haven't found a causal relationship. The issue is complex, and research results often contradict each other.
* **Other Factors:** Societal issues like poverty, inequality, and access to weapons are arguably more significant contributors to real-world violence than media exposure.
**Evaluation:**
While it's likely that media violence contributes to aggression in some individuals under certain circumstances, it's not a sole cause for societal violence. It's one piece of a complex puzzle that includes numerous social, economic, and psychological factors.
**It's important to note:**
* The debate often centers around children, who are considered more susceptible to media influence.
* This issue isn't about censorship but rather about responsible media consumption and understanding the potential impact of media violence.
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