Question 1: Describe two common changes in family structures that have been observed in the UK over the past 50 years.

Answer: Possible answers include an increase in cohabitation instead of marriage, and a rise in single-parent families.

Question 2: Explain how the decline in the traditional nuclear family has impacted child-rearing practices.

Answer: The decline has led to more diverse child-rearing arrangements, greater involvement of extended family members, and changes in parenting roles, often resulting in more flexible and varied approaches to raising children.

Question 3: Identify and describe one sociological theory that explains the trend towards smaller family sizes.

Answer: Functionalism suggests that smaller families are a result of increased individualism and economic factors, such as the cost of raising children, which influence family planning decisions.

Question 4: Discuss the impact of increased divorce rates on family stability and child outcomes.

Answer: Higher divorce rates can lead to less family stability, emotional distress for children, and changes in living arrangements, but they may also offer benefits like reduced conflict and new opportunities for new family forms.

Question 5: Describe a sociological argument for why cohabitation has become more common than marriage.

Answer: Cohabitation is seen as more flexible and less legally binding than marriage, reflecting changing attitudes towards commitment and increased acceptance of alternative family arrangements.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram representing a typical extended family household. Label the different family members involved.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict multiple generations living together, such as grandparents, parents, and children, with labels indicating each member's relationship to the others.

Question 7: Explain how societal attitudes towards same-sex families have changed in recent decades.

Answer: Societal attitudes have become more accepting and supportive, leading to greater legal recognition, social acceptance, and visibility of same-sex families.

Question 8: Identify one policy change that has affected family life in the UK and explain its impact.

Answer: The introduction of shared parental leave has allowed fathers to take time off work to care for their children, promoting greater involvement in family life and more equal parenting roles.

Question 9: Discuss the reasons behind the increase in single-person households in the UK.

Answer: Factors include increased life expectancy, greater independence and individualism, and changing social norms regarding living alone.

Question 10: Evaluate the impact of technological advancements, such as social media, on family communication and relationships.

Answer: Technological advancements facilitate instant communication, helping families stay connected across distances, but may also lead to reduced face-to-face interaction and privacy concerns, affecting relationship quality.