Question 1: Define the term 'family diversity' and explain why it has increased in the UK over recent decades.

Answer: Family diversity refers to the variety of family types and living arrangements that exist in society. It has increased due to factors such as changing social attitudes, increased divorce rates, cohabitation, same-sex partnerships, and migration, leading to more varied family structures.

Question 2: Describe two ways in which the role of women in families has changed in the UK since the 1950s.

Answer: Firstly, women now participate more in paid employment compared to the 1950s when domestic roles were more traditional. Secondly, women now often share household responsibilities and decision-making with their partners, reflecting increased gender equality.

Question 3: Explain what is meant by the term 'child-centered family' and discuss one reason for its rise in recent years.

Answer: A child-centered family prioritizes the needs and interests of children, often involving more involvement in their education, activities, and emotional well-being. Its rise is partly due to rising living standards and increased awareness of children's rights.

Question 4: Identify and explain two factors contributing to the decline of the traditional extended family in the UK.

Answer: One factor is increased geographic mobility, which makes it harder for extended families to live close together. Another is changing social attitudes towards independence, leading to more nuclear family living arrangements.

Question 5: Discuss how the trend towards cohabitation differs from marriage in the UK today.

Answer: Cohabitation involves couples living together without formal marriage, and it has become more common due to changing social attitudes towards marriage, greater emphasis on personal choice, and increased acceptance of alternative family arrangements. Unlike marriage, cohabitation is often seen as less formal and less legally binding.

Question 6: Draw a simple sketch of a family structure showing a single-parent family living with two children. Label the key parts of your diagram.

Answer: The sketch should depict one adult (parent) and two children connected within the same household. Labels should include 'single parent', 'child 1', 'child 2', and 'household'.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram illustrating the concept of 'family life cycle'. Indicate at least three stages and give a brief description of each.

Answer: The diagram should show a linear progression with stages such as 'Childhood' (dependent children living at home), 'Launching Out' (young adults leaving home), and 'Empty Nest' (older adults living alone or as a couple). Each stage should have a brief description.

Question 8: Evaluate the impact of modern technology, such as social media and smartphones, on family relationships.

Answer: Modern technology can strengthen family bonds by enabling communication across distances and sharing experiences. However, it can also cause conflicts, reduce face-to-face interaction, and lead to family members feeling disconnected despite being physically present.

Question 9: Identify one positive and one negative effect of increasing divorce rates on families in the UK.

Answer: A positive effect is that individuals can leave unhappy or abusive relationships, leading to better well-being. A negative effect is that children may experience emotional instability and economic hardship.

Question 10: Explain how government policies, such as same-sex marriage legalization, influence family diversity in the UK.

Answer: Legalizing same-sex marriage expands the definition of family and allows same-sex couples to access legal rights and protections, thereby increasing family diversity and reflecting societal acceptance of different family forms.